May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health is a growing concern in Maryland and throughout the nation. The Maryland State Board of Education has placed a special focus on mental health awareness, reminding students who may be suffering in silence that they are not alone and that help is available. Watch their video by clicking the link below:
Montgomery County Council Testimony
On April 10, 2018, MCSPA Co-President Allison Jacobus provided testimony on the dire need for increased mental health support in our schools and an increase of new school psychologist positions. Her testimony, in its entirety, can be viewed here.
Call to Action
In February, the Montgomery County School Psychologist Association joined hundreds of national organizations, local organizations, and individuals who endorsed Call for Action to Prevent Gun Violence in the United States of America, which provides clear guidelines and recommendations for preventing violence in our schools.
Virginia Senate's Education and Health Committee Testimony
On January 18, 2018, Amy Cannava testified before the Virginia Senate’s Education and Health Committee. Her testimony, in its entirety, can be viewed here. This was her third time providing expert testimony on proposed bans to end Conversion Therapy for Minors (SB245). A summary of her experience can be seen here.
Board of Education (BOE) Testimony
On January 10, 2018, MCSPA co-presidents, Allison Jacobus and Jeanne McCormack, presented testimony at the Montgomery County Board of Education Budget Hearing to advocate for more school psychologists to better meet the mental health needs of MCPS students through direct services. Members of the Board of Education seemed to agree and it was recommended that more school psychologist positions be added to the budget, which is pending approval from the County Council. The testimony, in its entirety, can be viewed here.
MCPS Psychologist Mental Health Fair
2017-18 MCSPA School Psychologist of the Year: Jodi Ward
It is an honor to recognize one of our outstanding colleagues, Jodi Ward, for MCSPA School Psychologist of the Year. Mrs. Ward has been practicing school psychology for 14 years with MCPS, after serving as a special educator in Baltimore City Schools for 6 years. The glowing recommendations provided by her colleagues demonstrate that she exemplifies the professional qualities of our occupation. She provides a comprehensive range of services to her school including group counseling, consultation, and collaborating with staff on a variety of academic and behavioral challenges. Mrs. Ward also serves as her school’s PBIS coach and has taken on a leadership role in MCPS by spearheading the rollout of Q-Interactive, an online platform for cognitive assessments. A colleague notes that she has worked “tirelessly to help support all of her colleagues through this process.” Her colleague also writes that her “positivity and supportive nature are clear to anyone who had the honor of working with her.” Mrs. Ward’s principal describes her as an “invaluable member of the school team” and states, “The active role she plays in our school contributes to its success in addressing the varied needs of all students and her support of teachers and fellow psychologists ensures that her influence reaches beyond the walls” of her school. Mrs. Ward is truly an exemplary colleague and a valuable asset to Montgomery County Public Schools.
Our Purpose:
- To promote and maintain the highest standards of professional practice for the provision of psychological services as set forth by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
- To encourage and facilitate discussion by psychologists on matters of professional interest and help secure conditions which promote the greatest effectiveness in the practice of school psychology.
- To advocate for the interests of children through school psychology as a science and profession.
- To provide input to Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education, Leadership and Administration to assist children in meeting or exceeding performance and achievement standards.
- To establish a liaison and encourage effective collaboration with other professions and professional agencies concerned with education and well-being of children.