Alison Sharp- 10 years- It's the small and basic things that matter most


Alison Sharp has many insightful experiences with life. As a School Psychologist for 10 years, she offers us a look into how our schools have adapted to our changing world. She believes that a student having their basic needs met (food, clothing, shelter) impacts our students the most. Along with that, she has seen that "poverty and academic standards have both risen.  Students need more support to have their basic needs met to focus on their learning.   A local church has supported my elementary school with a backpack program and has provided our children with warm coats.   Our school has a grant so both breakfast and lunch are provided for free to all students. Teachers are rising to the academic challenge by grouping the kids to provide support, and we have revamped our reading program as well." Along with basic needs being met, she believes that offering students quality interventions to assist them in filling those academic gaps, opens a path for them to be successful.

Alison has presented in her son's 8th grade class who was studying Flowers for Algernon to share her knowledge of IQ testing, bell curve, Rorshach and TAT. This helped the students enhance their understanding of what it all meant as they read the book. 

 She demonstrates how just a few small steps can go a long way in helping our children be successful, and ultimately changing their lives. 

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, at more than 50%,
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 & Young Adult He
Read more