As we celebrate Social Work Appreciation Month across the School District of Lancaster, we continue to lift up the stories of individuals who quietly shape the lives of students and families each and every day.
At Price Elementary, school social worker Tracy Brunke brings warmth, trust, and connection into her work welcoming students with open arms and walking alongside them through all of life’s complexities. Now in her fifth year at SDoL, Tracy continues to remind us that showing up with care, honesty, and consistency can make a lasting difference.
A Natural Fit, Discovered Later in Life
Tracy always knew she was drawn to work with children and families, but she didn’t begin her career as a social worker. For years, she took on roles that supported young people in informal ways, often acting as a mentor, listener, and trusted adult. But something was missing.
“Later in adulthood, I decided to return to school for my MSW,” Tracy said. “So much of what I was doing naturally was within the realm of social work, but that wasn’t my title. I knew that if I wanted to dive deeper with families, I needed the expertise to support them in more effective ways.”
Returning to school was a leap but one she instantly knew was right. “I’ve loved every second of being a social worker,” she says.
A Career Rooted in Community
Before becoming part of the SDoL team, Tracy worked at local nonprofits where she regularly partnered with the district to implement student programs. These early connections had a lasting impact.
“During my time collaborating with SDoL, I quickly fell in love with the students, families, and staff,” she recalled. “When I was working toward my MSW and planning for my field placement, I reached out to my contacts at the district and secured an internship at Buchanan Elementary. After that, there was no going back.”
When a full-time position opened, she jumped at the chance. “Price has been a great fit,” she said. “I’m grateful every day.”
Moments That Echo Years Later
Years before earning her social work degree, Tracy was running an afterschool youth club what she calls her “undercover social worker” days. It was there she met a young boy and his single father, with whom she built a strong connection. Despite their challenges, Tracy kept showing up offering advice, encouragement, and a listening ear, even when it felt like it wasn’t landing. 
“Sometimes I felt frustrated,” she admits. “They kept asking for help, but it didn’t seem like they were taking my advice.”
Years later, she ran into the boy, now a college student. The moment he saw her, he gave her a huge hug and told her how much those past conversations meant. They had stayed with him and helped guide decisions he made in his life.
“That experience taught me that sometimes we don’t get to see the results of our efforts right away,” she said. “But we have to trust that everything we do, no matter how small, can shape someone’s path in ways we may never fully know.”
It’s this moment she thinks of during hard days, when it feels like she’s treading water. It’s the reminder she needs to keep going.
Starting the Day with Hugs and Hope
At Price Elementary, Tracy begins each day where she finds the most meaning with the students.
“I love greeting them each morning at breakfast and starting our days with hugs and a positive outlook,” she shared. “I love getting to know them and being a part of their lives being their cheerleader, confidant, and co-pilot.”
Tracy understands that the emotional needs of students can sometimes outweigh what’s happening in the classroom and she’s there to help them carry it all. From family stress to anxiety, behavior concerns to big emotions, her presence offers comfort and stability.
To care for herself, Tracy turns to things that bring peace: long walks with her dogs, time with her daughter, and the escape of a good book. She also relies on the people who know her best those she can lean on during tough moments and talk through the hard parts of the job.
What It Means to Be a School Social Worker
For Tracy, social work is about being invited into someone’s life not to fix it, but to walk beside them through it.
“Being a social worker means having the privilege of being invited into someone’s life to walk their journey with them,” she says. “It means being a safe place for everyone, no matter what, and an advocate for those who need a voice.”
When SDoL formally changed the title from “Student and Family Resource Specialist” to “School Social Worker,” Tracy felt it was a moment of truth.
“The title change was a significant step in validating us as professionals,” she said. “It also created more transparency with families and a better understanding of our role in the school.”
Why She Loves SDoL
For Tracy, the School District of Lancaster stands out in its approach to education, particularly in how it prioritizes the whole child.
“I love SDoL’s diversity and our emphasis on the importance of social emotional learning and mental health alongside academics,” she said. “I think the district is unique in how these are integrated.”
Inspiration Starts at Home
Tracy credits her mother as her biggest inspiration. Growing up, she didn’t know the full extent of the struggles her mom faced balancing motherhood, trauma, schooling, and financial pressure. She just knew her mom showed up.
“My mom raised us while going to school and running the household, and I never realized all she was carrying. She was just my mom,” she said. “I learned so much from her that I didn’t fully appreciate until I became a mother myself.”
It was her mother who modeled what it meant to give back. Whether it was hosting children through the Fresh Air Fund, volunteering at church, or helping neighbors, she always made room for others. Tracy carries that same spirit in her work today.
Lifting Up Other Women
As both Women’s History Month and Social Work Appreciation Month overlap, Tracy reflects on the importance of supporting women, students, colleagues, and community members alike.
“I share my personal story and take the time to listen to theirs,” she said. “Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone wants to feel heard and valued.”
Her advice to young women entering the profession? Set boundaries and don’t apologize for them. “Know yourself and your limits. There’s no shame in honoring those limits and saying no. As women, we often say yes too often, and in social work, that can lead to burnout quickly.”
Thank You, Tracy
To Tracy: thank you for the heart, honesty, and presence you bring to the students and families of Price Elementary. You remind us that impact isn’t always immediate but it’s always meaningful.
Happy Social Work Appreciation Month.