With the school year drawing to a close, this is a busy time. NASP has been busy, too, and I have some additional resources and opportunities to share with you.

Thank you for joining me as a NASP member in 2010-2011. The NASP membership year draws to a close on June 30. If you have not already done so, please renew your membership online at www.nasponline.org. If you renew online before June 30, 2011, you will have the opportunity to pay your membership dues in one payment or three monthly installments.

The newest issue of NASP’s e-journal, School Psychology Forum, was just released. Download the articles and listen to podcasts on adolescent dating, literature circles, and getting students to work smarter and harder.

NASP has several professional development opportunities to consider as part of your summertime planning. NASP is sponsoring a Public Policy Institute, in conjunction with George Washington University, in July, in Washington, DC. The theme for this year’s meeting is ‘Learning and Social Emotional Supports for Vulnerable Students: Directions for the Nation,’ and the program focuses on professional advocacy and how both administrative and legislative policy is advanced.

Take advantage of your summer break by expanding your knowledge at the NASP 2011 Summer Conferences. The conferences, scheduled for July 11-13 in Indianapolis, IN and July 25-27 in Atlantic City, NJ will feature sessions, delivered by school psychology experts, that are designed to give you an in-depth look at topics facing the profession. You can add a full-day preconference workshop to make the most of your trip. Be sure to register early to save on your conference fees!

While at the summer conferences, plan to attend the newly updated PREPaRE training. Schools play a critical role in responding to crises in communities. Because of this it is important that schools have a crisis plan in place. NASP’s PREPaRE curriculum provides key training for school personnel in crisis preparation.

Mark your calendar for the NASP 2012 Annual Convention, scheduled for February 21-24 in Philadelphia, PA. Consider sharing your work with your colleagues by submitting a proposal to present. The submission deadline is June 15, 2011, so don’t delay.

The NASP volunteer leadership is working on plans for next school year, and I encourage you to write to me and share your thoughts on your NASP membership experience.

Sincerely,

Bob Trant, MA Delegate