School Psychological Services

Alexandria City Public Schools

Office of Psychological Services John Baker, Ph.D. – Lead PsychologistVirginia Larsen, M.Ed.,CAGS, Psychologist, Samuel TuckerLarisha Bailey, M.Ed., Psychologist, William RamsayMegan 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 WithStudents 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

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

Mental Health Matters!

School Psychology Awareness

School Psychology Awareness Week, November 11-15, 2013

The theme, “We’re all in!Teams work.” is directed to

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!