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School Psychological Services Alexandria City Public Schools Office of Psychological Services John Baker, Ph.D. – Lead Psychologist Virginia Larsen, M.Ed.,CAGS, Psychologist, Samuel Tucker Larisha Bailey, M.Ed., Psychologist, William Ramsay Megan Vaganek,MA., CAGS, Psychologist, Cora Kelly/TCW Who are we? Psychologist Assignments/Demographics Full-time Samuel Tucker Patrick Henry John Adams William Ramsay Douglas McArthur Mount Vernon Community School FC Hammond 1-3 Minnie Howard TC Williams Part-time Matthew Maury James K. Polk Lyles Crouch Traditional Academy George Washington 1 & 2 Cora Kelly Charles Barrett George Mason Jefferson Houston Child Find/Preschool TC Satellite Chance for Change 18 Psychologists Bilingual Psychologists Doctoral Level Psychologists Nationally Certified School Psychologists Licensed Clinical Psychologist 3 School Psychology Interns George Mason University James Madison University William & Mary University What do we do? School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. We link mental health to learning and behavior to promote: High academic achievement Positive social skills and behavior Healthy relationships and connectedness Tolerance and respect for others Competence, self-esteem, and resiliency School Psychologists Work With Students to: Provide counseling, instruction, and mentoring for those struggling with social, emotional, and behavioral problems Increase achievement by assessing barriers to learning and determining the best instructional strategies to improve learning Promote wellness and resilience by reinforcing communication and social skills, problem solving, anger management, self-regulation, self-determination, and optimism Enhance understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures and backgrounds School Psychologists Work With Students and Their Families to: Identify and address learning and behavior problems that interfere with school success Evaluate eligibility for special education services (within a multidisciplinary team) Support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral health Enhance home-school collaboration Make referrals and help coordinate community support services School Psychologists Work with Teachers to: Identify and resolve barriers to student learning Design and implement student progress monitoring systems Design and implement academic and behavioral interventions Support effective individualized instruction Create positive classroom environments Motivate all students to engage in learning School Psychologists Work with Administrators to: Collect and analyze data related to school improvement, student outcomes, and accountability requirements Implement school-wide prevention programs that help maintain positive school climates conducive to learning Promote school policies and practices that ensure the safety of all students by reducing school violence, bullying, and harassment Respond to crises by providing leadership, direct services, and coordination with needed community services Design, implement, and garner support for comprehensive school mental health programming School Psychologists Work with Community Providers to: Coordinate the delivery of services to students and their families in and outside of school Help students transition to and from school and community learning environments, such as resident treatment, or juvenile justice programs Mental Health Matters! The U.S. Surgeon General estimates that one in five children and adolescents will experience a significant mental health problem during their school years. Some problems are more serious than others, but all children face challenges that can affect their learning and behavior. These can include: Stress and anxiety Worries about being bullied Problems with family or friends Loneliness or rejection Disabilities Depression Thoughts of suicide or hurting others Concerns about sexuality Academic difficulties Dropping out Alcohol and substance abuse Fear of violence, terrorism and war School Psychology Awareness School Psychology Awareness Week, November 11-15, 2013 “We’re all in! Teams work.” is directed to The theme, students, but also carries an important message to all adults. This week, ACPS Psychologists will recognize the individual achievement of a student(s) with the “Student POWER Award” and/or acknowledge the contributions of a school staff member with the “Possibilities in Action Partner Award” . Congratulations!!! The Virginia Academy of School Psychologists (VASP) selects ACPS School Psychologist, Virginia Larsen, as 2013 School Psychologist of the Year!