School Psychologists Are Defying Stereotypes

By Larissa Lytwyn

According to Pupil Personnel Services Director Michael Regan, images of distant, office-bound school psychologists have changed.

“Today’s school psychologists offer a wide range of mental health services,” he said. “Their role has expanded a lot beyond just ‘testing’ [the behavioral health of] students.”

The National Association of School Psychologists has designated November 10–14 National School Psychology Awareness Week. Schools around the country are asked to highlight the purpose and benefits of school psychological services.

“Often, we are the front line for students with behavioral or emotional problems,” noted Mr Regan. In addition to handling crisises such as suicide threats, school psychologists work closely with guidance counselors, teachers, parents, and students to educate the community about preventative techniques to manage anger and other issues.

School psychologists often become liaisons to mental health services offered in the community.

As mandated by the state Department of Education, the district has a comprehensive antibullying curriculum implemented in the health classes of kindergarteners, second, fourth, and sixth graders.

“If schools are going to meet the commitment ‘to leave no child behind,’” Mr Regan said, referring to the Bush administration’s 2001 No Child Left Behind Act, “we must be able to address a wide range of issues that impact how students learn.”

As professionals with training in both mental health and education, he said, school psychologists determine how various factors — such as mental health, a disability, cultural diversity, a traumatic experience, or even school climate — affect a student’s learning or behavior and what support he or she need to succeed.

Hawley school psychologist Charles Brumley said that he plans on visiting the National Association of School Psychologists website and circulate up-to-date information on children’s behavioral issues among staff. “We have a great team of school psychologists in Newtown,” he said. It is essential, he continued, for school psychologists to maintain close connections with students and their families.

After serving Newtown High School for 11 years, Mr Brumley chose to work at Hawley Elementary School five years ago because he wanted to “head off” potential problems in the beginning of students’ academic career.

“It’s so important to reach students at a young age so that they can learn how to manage themselves emotionally,” he explained. “Hopefully, this can prevent bigger issues from forming later on.”

Newtown Middle School school psychologist Robert Russo said that he works largely with the middle school’s special education department. The middle school’s staff, including a social worker and several guidance counselors, meets with incoming seventh graders likely to use special education services between February and May. “We like to introduce ourselves,” Mr Russo said. “We want to let students and families know that we are here, that we are accessible.”

As mandated by the state’s education department, Newtown Middle School’s guidance office has a box in which students can anonymously deposit concerns about another student’s well-being. “Fortunately, the box isn’t used very often,” said Mr Russo. Often, he said, troubled students approach guidance counselors directly. “It’s important that the students know us, and feel comfortable with us,” he said.