| KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Empowering Children, Educators, and Families |
Kansas Association of School Psychologists
Fall 2024 Edition
Mandy Thomsen, Editor Cori Bohnenblust, Associate Editor
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Dear KASP Members, Our recent Annual Fall Convention, held in Lawrence, was an incredible success; thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to this event. We had a fantastic lineup of presenters who shared invaluable insights and sparked inspiring and meaningful discussions around the practice of school psychology. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our Keynote and Workshop presenters, Damion Smith and Dr. Ross Greene, the breakout session presenters and panel participants, and each member who attended, networked, and enriched our professional community. I felt the conference theme of Building Collaborative Strength hard at work throughout the two days! Additionally, many thanks go out to our NASP Conference Chair, Lenae Kaus, and Executive Manager, Melissa Sullivan; we could not have pulled off a successful convention without their hard work and dedication to the board. For those who couldn’t join us in person, I have attached a PowerPoint from our membership meeting, which covers key updates from the KASP board and initiatives discussed during the convention. This includes our ongoing collaboration with NASP for training, updates on the School Psychologists Interstate Compact, and our commitment to ongoing advocacy efforts, including fostering safe and supportive school environments. We are particularly excited about the new advocacy tools like the Shortage Report and Infographics that will aid our efforts in promoting equitable school psychological services throughout our state. Looking ahead, I encourage you to continue seeking opportunities to advocate at the local and state levels. Our aim this year is to increase school psychologist participation in the upcoming Mental Health Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on January 23, 2025. This is a prime opportunity to showcase our critical work and support policies that benefit our students’ well-being. Let’s make our voices heard and continue advocating for the resources and support Kansas students deserve. Thank you again for your dedication, and let’s keep the momentum going strong through the election session and beyond! Warm Regards, Amy Drinnon, Ed.S. KASP President |
View the Power Point from the KASP Membership Meeting at the link below. Also below you will find some photos from the 2024 Convention!
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Several Awards were given out during the annual KASP Membership Meeting. Congratulations to ALL! KS School Psych of the Year: Each year at the Fall Convention, we proudly honor the recipient of the KS School Psychologist of the Year award. This year, let's give a big shout-out to Tyler Kitson for this well-deserved recognition! Congratulations, Tyler!
Diversity Graduate Student Scholarships: The purpose of the KASP Diversity Graduate Student Scholarship is to support the graduate training of promising school psychology students in the state of Kansas. This year, KASP awarded $1000 each to CJ Gibson and Laura Quezada. Congratulations, CJ and Laura!
Friend of Education: Each year, KASP recognizes individuals or groups outside the profession who have supported political action and advocacy on behalf of children to improve education and mental health services for Kansas children, youth and their families. These awardees have worked to make systemic changes in policies that govern the provision of education and mental health services at the local, state, and/or national level. In addition, these individuals or groups have worked to support the KASP mission and its goals. This year's Friend of Education Award goes to Brian Dempsey. Thank you, Brian, for all that you do to support us!
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Submitted by Jonathan Smeeton With the Annual KASP Fall Convention behind us and cooler weather on the way, it is time to focus on National School Psychology Week. KASP was able to get Governor Laura Kelly to sign a Proclamation recognizing November 11-15 as National School Psychology Week in Kansas. During NSPW, Wednesday, November 13 is recognized by NASP as national school psychology advocacy day. This year we have made it as easy as ever to contact your state officials. KASP has prepared an email that can be personalized to send to your elected officials with the push of a button. This link will be live beginning November 10. Contact your legislator. By entering your address, it can be sent to your local representative in Topeka. |
From your NASP Delegate |
Be on the lookout for information about the next Delegate Dialogues! |
Kansas Association of School Psychologists (KASP) is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer continuing education for school psychologists. KASP maintains responsibility for the program.
KASP is a NASP approved provider of CPDs. KASP is approved provider #1030
No person will be denied access to or full participation in any KASP program, event or activity on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, or age.