National School Psychology Week is being celebrated November 8–12, 2021. Promoted by the National Association of School Psychologists since 2002, this annual observance celebrates the work of school psychologists in supporting student wellness, achievement, and personal growth.
MPS currently employs about 163 school psychologists, all of whom have a master’s degree or doctoral degree and are certified in school psychology. School psychologists have a wide range of roles and responsibilities as special education evaluation team members, violence prevention specialists, building-based psychologists, crisis team members, ropes and challenge supervisors, suicide prevention trainers, multi-tiered intervention specialists, and anti- racism educators. This team supports individual students, groups of students, staff, and families in evaluating and responding to current needs. They also engage proactively with students to promote confidence, reduce risk-taking, and help children and teens navigate daily challenges.
As the pandemic has evolved, the school psychology team has actively met to discuss the changing needs of students, respond to new challenges, and implement plans for outreach to children and families. School psychologists were an integral part in helping students and staff cope with virtual learning, social distancing, and school closures. The theme of this year’s National School Psychology Week is “Let’s Get in GEAR (Grow, Engage, Advocate, Rise).”
The theme offers a challenge to grow both personally and professionally; engage in best practices; advocate for children’s access to mental health and learning resources; and rise toward resilience and renewal despite the challenges of the past.
This week, we appreciate our school psychologists who have the skills to assist students and staff in growing and working together while shifting gears to meet the demands of school and life. School psychologists also help facilitate positive change by improving school culture, identifying systems-level change, and advocating for school and individual needs.
Thank you, school psychology team!
