Agenda Item
a. Proclamation: National School Psychology Week ~ November 11 ~ 15, 2024
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Allyson Gevertz, Board Member, District 4
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education recognize all DeKalb County School District School Psychologists as the State of Georgia and the United States of America, proclaim November 11-15, 2024 as National School Psychology Week.
Why: DeKalb County School District recognizes November 11-15, 2024, as the week to celebrate and recognize the District’s School Psychologists during National School Psychology Week.
Details: The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has designated November 11 -15, 2024 as National School Psychology Week. This week celebrates the contributions of school psychologists and the important role they play in schools and communities. This year’s theme is “Spark Discovery” which recognizes the work that school psychologists do to help their communities seek out new ideas, effect change, and expand horizons for children and youth. Join us by taking this week to embark on a journey of discovery, explore how each person can celebrate the work of school psychologists, and learn how school psychologists help students, families, and communities every day. This theme is meant to evoke a sense of pride in school psychologists’ scientist-practitioner training. School psychologists are highly trained in data-based decision-making, including behavioral operationalization and data collection/analysis.
Financial impact: No Financial Impact
Contact: Dr. Norman C. Sauce, III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services, 678-676-0418
Mrs. Kiana King, Executive Director of Exceptional Education, Division of Student Services, 678-676-1809
Mrs. Kimberly Franklin, Senior Coordinator of Psychological Services, Division of Student Services, 678-676-2222.
Effective: November 11-15, 2024
Status: Attorney Approval Not Required
P R O C L A M AT I O N
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 to 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, 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 11 – 15, 2024 as National
School Psychology Week in DeKalb County School District.