Getting to Know Us*



Some personnel changes occur each year, and you may have yet to meet the school psychologist assigned to your school. We would like to take this opportunity to update you on the many roles the school psychologist plays in the WS/FCS. As part of student services, our vision is to provide comprehensive services to enhance the quality of education for all children. We are committed to improving educational outcomes through problem solving, prevention, intervention, and collaboration with others.

School psychologists have training in various aspects of the field of education in addition to psychology. Our graduate level training programs prepare us for unique opportunities to work collaboratively with school personnel, parents and community agencies.

Each member of the Psychological Services Department has areas of background knowledge and expertise that enhance the department as a whole. Our roles include, but are not limited to, serving on the Intervention Support Teams (IST), providing school/community based presentations, being available on a consultative basis, assessing student functioning in various areas, writing psychological reports, directly and indirectly intervening with students with academic and behavior skills, and serving on various departmental committees to enhance our understanding of important school related issues and promote programs, research, and strategies that will impact student achievement.


Our psychologists serve on department committees to help develop district wide guidelines such as for assessing students with autism, behavioral or emotional difficulties, and those learning English as a second language. We have psychologists on staff that specialize in preschool assessment,assessment of limited English learners, and several psychologists who conduct risk assessments and who aid in crisis intervention. Several psychologists have specific training in observing and assessing students with traumatic brain injuries. Look for future posts for updates on what our colleagues are doing for our schools.  

*Information from this post originally appeared in PsychSpeak, Sept, 2010.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Image
This month, we want to take time to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide, those who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge all of those who have been impacted.  Why is this work important? According to the CDC, in 2021, there were 48,183 deaths by suicide in the United States, which is equivalent to 1 death every 11 minutes. 1.7 million adults attempted suicide. In 2021, the suicide rate among males was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Males make up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides. In North Carolina, suicide is the second leading cause of death in ages 10-18. There was a 94% increase in youth suicide from 2011-2020.  Suicide can be prevented by recognizing signs, learning how to help, and taking steps to help those in need. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Student Services Department has a district protocol to respond to and manage suicide risk.   Firearms are the most common method used,...
Read more

Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 11-17, 2024

Image
  Although Random Acts of Kindness week will be celebrated next week, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has provided a calendar for the 2023-2024 school year; that's 365 ideas of ways to spread kindness. They also provide a variety of resources for spreading kindness at school, at home, and at work, including a 2024 calendar for adults to spread kindness at work throughout the year.  Additionally, the Social Emotional Learning and Restorative Practices department has compiled a Random Acts of Kindness resource folder that includes lesson plans, kindness activities, announcements, book lists, and more.  Join the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in their effort to make kindness the norm, not just next week, but all year long! 
Read more

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Image
  According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and only half of them receive treatment. NAMI is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. They have more than 700 NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates who work to raise awareness and provide support and education to those in need. You can visit their website to find your local NAMI.  NAMI also actively participates in Mental Health Awareness Month to eradicate stigma, extend support, foster public education, and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Join their Take the Moment campaign to promote open dialogues, and cultivate empathy and understanding. They have provided a toolkit with more information on the campaign including how to spread awareness, social media content, graphics to share, and facts.   NAMI provides a Teen ...
Read more