I often have students, parents, and community members ask me why school psychologists are in schools? While school psychologists are mostly seen as 'testers' for students who may be eligible for special education services, my job and that of many of my colleagues, at least in the district I work for, is mostly not a 'tester' and much more characterized as a problem solver. As any parent knows, the variety of problems our children (our students) experience carry a host of details that require a listening ear, a thoughtful person, and you guessed it...a problem solver. On any given day in my profession, I must be willing to consider all of the details and background our children's issues and concerns have. It's almost never just one thing. It's the story of the child's life and their perceptions and thoughts of the world around them that must be considered, especially when it is different than the world others around them at school are experiencing. As a school psychologist and because I have fortunately been exposed to so much excellent training and professional experiences, I am able to help students and families walk the often rough path of their school career. Sure, I can open a test kit and analyze data but the greatest skill I have to support students and families is that of a problem solver. Nov. 12-16 was School Psychology Awareness Week nationwide but it didn't end last week for the students who attend the schools I work at. When you ask yourself, "Why does my child's school have a school psychologist," please picture a caring individual practicing humanity and compassion on a daily basis in order for your child to grow into a caring adult in the coming years.
Parents of West Millbrook Magnet Middle School and Lynn Road Elementary School –
My name is Leigh Kokenes and I am very proud to work with the students, staff, and families of West Millbrook MS and Lynn Road ES. During this year I am especially excited to venture into understanding the International Baccalaureate magnet theme and all that IBMYP offers for our students’ growth and learning as well as learning about global communities at LRES. As your School Psychologist, I want you to know that my door is always open to parent concerns and questions about social emotional learning and resources to support academic growth. October is Disability History and Awareness Month and November 12-16 is School Psychology Awareness Week. School Psychologists work closely with WMMMS and LRES staff for identifying students with significant learning concerns and supporting students who receive special education services. September was declared School Safety Month by the NC Department of Public Instruction Superintendent. School Safety is a topic important to all families and schools. At WMMMS and LRES a team of student support services which includes School Psychologists, School Social Workers, School Counselors, and School Nurses oversee the social emotional well-being, safety, and health of our students throughout the school year. WCPSS School Psychologists provide coverage to all of the 157 schools in WCPSS and we are trained to provide mental and behavioral health services in schools to support a whole child model. School Psychologists are trained in crisis preparedness and response, fostering positive school climate, social-emotional screenings, consultation and collaboration, prevention and intervention, and data-based decision-making. At WMMMS and LRES, our student support services team knows that unmet mental health needs can be obstacles to students’ academic, career and social/ emotional development and can compromise school climate and safety. At WMMMS and LRES our student support services team work together to identify social emotional learning needs in the school connected with academic growth and address these needs with fitting instructional strategies. To learn more about how your School Psychologist supports the whole child model, visit my website at leighkokenes.weebly.com and find my contact information on the WMMS and LRES website ([email protected], 919-694-8868). Thank you and I look forward to a year of learning, compassion, and positivity with your child. In the Fall of 2017 the total new enrollment at UNC System Schools of Education was 13,492. Based on information going back to 2010, this is a decline in enrollment of 28% since that time.
(UNC Quality Educator Dashboard) Educational systems in all nations is essential to the nation's strength and is the foundation for its growth. I would also say, as a mother, a school psychologist, and as a caring human, that the strength of education is also significantly linked to the humanity shown toward its people in societies. As a former Girl Scout, it was embedded in me to leave my campsite better than how I found it. NC is my campsite and I WILL leave it better than how I found it. Considering a career path in education is noble, challenging, and essential to our society. What does the decline in enrollment in education say about our wonderful state of NC? Join NC educators, NC parents, NC students, NC advocates, and NC citizens to build up the field of education...starting today. Small steps make big changes. A new school year is just a little more than a week away and I remind myself that the role of social media is so huge in our children's lives. As a school psychologist and a parent, I can guide and advise...a lot...but still I know that children are inherently curious and can be easily lured into situations at the blink of an eye that lead them into dangerous territory. I have to remind my own children, nieces and nephews, and the children I serve in schools that the 'dangerous' situations probably won't look the way they imagine when they are learning about them at home and in school. These situations happen in familiar settings, with familiar people, and maybe on their phone while at home. Life is a constant learning process.
Here are some resources for parents, grandparents, school staff, and really anyone who has contact with children. We know that children are impulsive and as adults, we can predict impulsive actions from our children on a daily basis. Let's support them in learning some safe and healthy choices going into a new school year. www.connectsafely.org/social-web-tips-for-teens/ www.missingkids.org/education |
AuthorLeigh Kokenes works as a School Psychologist. Posts are her own and not necessarily the viewpoint of an employer. Archives
April 2019
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