Tuesday, November 1, 2022
November 7–11, 2022, is National School Psychology Week (NSPW), as designated by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The theme for this year's celebration is “Together We Shine.”
There are currently over 1,100 school psychologists working in Wisconsin schools partnering with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. School psychologists apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They are also important members of school safety and crisis teams.
“I am proud to see how our community of school psychologists have supported their students, families, and fellow educators during difficult times,” NASP President Celeste Malone said. “School psychologists work every day to enhance the connections between students, schools, and the evidence-based practices that help them thrive.”
This year’s NSPW theme, “Together We Shine,” honors the hope we feel after several challenging years and emphasizes the power of our collective efforts to overcome difficulties to ensure that all our students can thrive in school, at home, and in life. Throughout the week, schools across Wisconsin will be taking part in events and activities designed to highlight how school psychologists, teachers, and other school personnel work with students and families to reestablish their sense of being valued parts of a greater whole. Through collaboration, we can empower students and adults to find purpose and possibility, while fostering resilience. This is especially important for those who are or who feel marginalized, unrecognized, or at risk.
NASP has put together a variety of resources that school psychologists or anyone who wants to advocate for the social, emotional, behavioral and academic well-being of students can access through the NASP website to coordinate NSPW events and activities for their own schools and communities.
Additionally, several NASP programs are in place to reinforce aspects of this year’s theme. School staff can use the Student POWER Award to recognize students who make a difference through their hard work, personal optimism, and dedication to others. The Possibilities in Action Partnership Award recognizes the contributions of teachers, administrators, other staff, and parents to support the needs of the whole child. The Gratitude Works program is designed to help students focus on positive relationships, maturing socially, and growing their understanding of the world by fostering gratitude through a variety of activities.
For further information, contact Tim Peerenboom, School Psychology Consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction at 608-266-1999 timothy.peerenboom@dpi.wi.gov or NASP Director of Communications Kathy Cowan at 301-347-1665 or kcowan@naspweb.org.
This item was submitted by Tim Peerenboom, School Psychology Consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.