I am pleased to share the latest updates from NASP with you.
I am delighted to report that the U.S. House and Senate passed resolutions recognizing National School Psychology Awareness Week last month. Thank you to those who sent letters to their members of Congress urging support of the resolutions.
In conjunction with our four resolution sponsors and in celebration of School Psychology Awareness Week, NASP sponsored a Congressional briefing, ‘Positive School Climate, Student Wellness, and Improved Academic Achievement: Bring Out the Best in Students and Schools.’ The panel discussed how positive school climates, student wellness, and strong family-school partnerships promote school success. They also linked these issues to NASP legislative priorities, school psychology week themes of positive psychology, and strength-based programs.
If you haven’t already registered, plan to join us for the NASP 2010 Annual Convention in Chicago, March 2-6. Alexa Posny, the newly appointed Assistant Secretary for the US Department of Education, in charge of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services will be joining Salome Thomas-El in presenting the Opening General Session. You can find complete information on the program and registration at www.nasponline.org/conventions.
In planning your convention activities, I hope you will devote an hour to participating in the mentoring program. The program brings together students and early career members with more experienced practitioners to discuss questions, interests, and concerns about school psychology. An hour of your time can make a difference to your career and that of your mentoring partner. Visit www.nasponline.org/students/mentorintro.aspx to learn more.
This holiday season is the perfect time to show your support of NASP and school psychology! Purchase four fantastic, NASP-inspired items bundled together for the limited time sale price of $32 and save over 35% off the regular member price! The bundle includes: one NASP polo shirt, one NASP travel mug, one NASP recyclable shopping tote, and two NASP luggage tags and is available for purchase athttp://iweb.nasponline.org/iweb/Purchase/ProductDetail.aspx?Product_code=N0932.
As you look to the new year, please mark your calendar for the NASP 2010 Summer Conferences in Denver, CO, July 12-14, and Nashville, TN, July 26-28, 2010 and plan to make these sessions part of your summer travel plans.
The NASP holiday e-cards are available and provide you an easy way to send greetings to your colleagues this holiday season. To access these and other NASP e-cards, visitwww.nasponline.org/membership/ecards/index.aspx.
I wish you and your family a happy holiday season and look forward to being in touch with you again in the new year.
Sincerely,
Debra Schwiesow
NASP State Delegate – IA