Wendy Price, CAGS, Nationally Certified School Psychologist at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School and President of the Massachusetts School Psychologists Association, wrote a Proclamation to Governor Deval Patrick. In it, she requested that November 14-18, 2011 be named “School Psychologists Week” in the Commonwealth. Here, she is being congratulated by her building and district administrators. The Proclamation is being sent around the Commonwealth (Stanley Cup style!) to School Psychologists who request it for advocacy and awareness and to celebrate the Proclamation. Next, it is being sent to Andria Amador, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services and her administrators at Boston Public Schools. Pictured (left to right): Dr. Jill Bernhardt (WHRSD Administrator of Curriculum, Instruction, and Staff Development), Jeff Szymaniak (WHRHS Principal), Wendy Price (WHRHS School Psychologist and MSPA President 2010-2012), Dr. Ruth Gilbert-Whitner (WHRSD Superintendent), Mildred O’Callaghan (WHRSD Administrator of Special Education) and David Floeck (WHRHS Assistant Principal).

PROCLAMATION FOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY WEEK November 14-18, 2011
Whereas,
All children and youth learn best when they are health, supported and receive an education that meets their individual needs; and
Whereas,
Schools can more effectively ensure that all students are ready and able to learn when they meet the needs of the whole child; 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 and early intervention, and supporting culturally diverse student populations; and
Whereas,
School psychology has over 60 years of well established, widely recognized, and highly effective practice, and
Whereas,
School Psychologists are specially trained to deliver a continuum of mental health services and academic supports that lower barriers to learning, enabling teachers to teach and students to learn; and
Whereas,
School Psychologists are trained to assess student and school-based barriers to learning, utilize data-based decision-making, implement research-driven prevention and intervention strategies, and evaluate outcomes and improve accountability; and
Whereas,
Citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should recognize the vital role that School Psychologists play in the personal and academic development of our children.
Therefore,
I, Governor Deval Patrick, do hereby proclaim November 14-18, 2011 as School Psychology Week in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and commend observance to all our citizens.