Aldine LSSPs Encourage All Students to Believe in ‘The Power of Possibility’ for National School Psychology Week

Disponible en: Español

The observation highlights the critical work LSSPs and other educators do to help students thrive.

During the week of November 9–13, 2020, schools throughout the country will celebrate National School Psychology Week to highlight the vital work school psychologists (licensed specialists in school psychology or LSSP) and other educators do to help all students thrive.

This year’s theme is “The Power of Possibility,” which conveys hope, growth, resilience, and renewal. The word “possibility” suggests that even something as small as a seed can grow into something magnificent. Henry David Thoreau wrote, “I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect great wonders.” The word “power” implies that things can and will happen.

“When we focus on what is possible, we have hope that students will grow, thrive, and bloom. We hope they will be empowered to take the action steps necessary to do so,” said Tracy Bailey, executive director of special education. “School psychologists seek to connect with students and staff to highlight how focusing on possibilities can help lead us to our goals, our interests, and our positive growth.”

LSSPs help empower children to grow in skills, such as social skills, empathy, compassion for others, and individual or intrapersonal skills such as problem-solving, goal setting, and study skills. The concept that individuals continue to grow and develop as people and with their abilities is central to the theme. Also key is the idea that with help, individuals can build resilience beyond stressful circumstances. School psychologists are exceptionally skilled at assisting students and staff in seeing possibilities and creating a positive change to thrive in school and life.

“Focusing on these possibilities can help us set goals, identify action steps, communicate needs, and engage in discussions to help create the connections necessary for students to develop critical academic and social-emotional skills,” added Bailey.

Additionally, school psychologists and school staff may be empowered to move toward positive change in all leadership areas in the counseling room, the classroom, the community, and beyond. School psychologists can focus on improving the school culture, identifying systems-level change, or prioritizing specific areas of the NASP Practice Model, which has been updated as part of the 2020 NASP Standards.

Virtual Forum on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 3:30 p.m.

The school district’s LSSPs will host a virtual “Ask a School Psychologist Forum” on Thursday, November 12. The one-hour virtual event starts at 3:30 p.m. Aldine families and staff are invited to join in virtually to learn more about what they offer families and students and how they help students achieve.

Aldine ISD LSSPs