Considering the challenges our students and schools overcame the past few years, the theme of this year’s National School Psychology Week is quite fitting. As the mantra suggests, “Together We Shine.”
School psychologists, who were being honored from Nov. 7-11 for the annual week of recognition, have played an important behind-the-scenes role in helping students navigate through difficult circumstances that have strained mental and physical health.
That continues to be the case with the nearly 40 psychologists around the District. In trying times, they’ve accomplished what L.R. Knost describes the role of school psychologists to be: “When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it’s our job to share our calm, not join their chaos.”
“In Canyons School District, our school psychologists work to help students, families and schools to thrive,” CSD School Psychologist Specialist Karen Brown said. “They are aiming to help our students succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Our staff of almost 40 are experts in their fields and often play integral roles in ensuring that positive relationships, inclusivity, and respect are present in our school buildings. I know I am biased, but they are quite the impressive group of employees.”
CSD’s school psychologists provide direct support and interventions to struggling and diverse learners, consult with teachers, administrators, families and other school-employed mental health professionals to improve support strategies, Brown explained. They also work with school administrators to improve schoolwide practices and policies, and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services to strengthen connections at home, school, and the community.
“Overall, school psychologists wear many hats and ultimately help students and schools find success,” Brown added. “They are an amazing group and are fantastic at what they do. They all deserve a big round of applause!”
We agree. Please join us in expressing gratitude and appreciation to the heartfelt work our school psychologists do to improve the lives of CSD students and schools.
