Agenda Item
a. Proclamation: National School Psychology Week, November 6-10, 2023
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Board Member
Dr. Kishia Towns, Chief of Wrap Around Services
Division of Equity and Student Empowerment
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education recognizes all School Psychologists in the DeKalb County School District, in concert with the State of Georgia and the United States of America to proclaim November 6-10, 2023, National School Psychology Week.
Why: The Board of Education is being asked to recognize the District’s 44 School Psychologists and proclaim November 6-10, 2023 as National School Psychology Week.
Details: The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has designated November 6 -10, 2023 as National School Psychology Week. This year’s theme is “Let’s Grow Together” and is inspired by the importance of both personal and shared strengths in our growth as individuals and school communities in every season of life. The theme recognizes the four aspects of growth that are fundamental to effective learning environments and to school psychologists’ role in supporting student well-being and learning. The first aspect acknowledges that individuals grow in their own way, often in their own time, a process influenced by engagement and interaction with their surroundings. Secondly, engagement and interaction with others being part of a vibrant community, supports our growth. The third aspect appreciates how diversity is a powerful ingredient in our growth. Lastly, every season contributes to a continuum of growth.
Financial impact: There is no financial impact on the District.
Contact: Dr. Kishia Towns, Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Equity and Student Empowerment
Mrs. Denise Revels, Director of Wrap Around and Support Services
Mrs. Kimberly Franklin, Coordinator III, Psychological Services
Status: Review and approval by General Counsel is not required.
PPRROOCCLLAAMMAT
ATI IOONN
National School Psychology Week
WHEREAS: All children and youth learn best when they are healthy, supported, and receive an education
that helps to develop their sense of belonging to a team at home and school; and
WHEREAS: Schools can more effectively ensure that all students are able to learn and invest in their learning
when they meet the needs of the whole child and encourage and provide opportunities to be a
part of a team; and
WHEREAS: Children’s mental health is directly linked to their learning and development, and the learning
environment provides an optimal context to promote good mental health; and
WHEREAS: Sound psychological principles are integral to instruction and learning, social and emotional
development, prevention, early intervention and school safety, and supporting culturally diverse
student populations; and
WHEREAS: School psychology has over 60 years of well established, widely recognized and highly effective
practices and standards that are clearly articulated in NASP’s Model for Comprehensive and
Integrated School Psychology Services; and
WHEREAS: School psychologists are specially trained to deliver a continuum of mental health services and
academic support that lowers barriers to teaching and learning; and
WHEREAS: School psychologists are trained to assess student and school-based barriers to learning, as
well as individual strengths, utilize data-based decision-making, implement research-driven
prevention and intervention strategies, and evaluate outcomes and improve accountability; and
WHEREAS: Citizens of DeKalb County School District should recognize the vital role that school psychologists
play in the personal and academic development of our District’s children,
THEREFORE, We, the DeKalb County Board of Education, do hereby proclaim November 6 – 10, 2023 as National
School Psychology Week in DeKalb County School District.
Mr. Diijon DaCosta Sr. Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce
Mrs. Vickie
DeKalb B.School
County Turner, Chair
District DeKalb CountyDaCosta,
Mr. Diijon Vice Chair
School District
Board Chair Board Vice Chair
Mrs. Cheryl Watson-Harris, Superintendent
Dr. Devon Horton
DeKalb County School District
Superintendent