| KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Empowering Children, Educators, and Families |
Kansas Association of School Psychologists
Summer 2025 Edition
Lina Kitson, Editor Shelby Reichard, Associate Editor
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Dear KASP Members, As we welcome the new school year, I am thrilled to share my enthusiasm with you all. The start of the 2025-2026 academic year marks a fresh beginning, filled with opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of students across Kansas. As school psychologists, you play a vital role in shaping young minds and supporting their educational journeys. I extend a warm welcome back to our members, and I look forward to the incredible work that lies ahead. We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for KASP members to enhance their professional development. Leandra Parris will present on September 25th from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. This session is specifically designed to provide members with the chance to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits in the category of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice, a crucial area for NCSP renewal. This valuable member benefit is a great way to stay current with professional development requirements while advancing your knowledge and skills in a critical area of practice. Save the Date: Fall 2025 ConventionWe are excited to announce that our Fall 2025 Convention will take place with the theme "Mathletes: Empowering Minds, Multiplying Impact." The event will kick off with our keynote speaker, Amanda VanderHeyden, followed by engaging breakout sessions. Additionally, we are pleased to offer a full-day workshop featuring Robin Codding, an expert in mathematics education and intervention. Her workshop will focus on evidence-based strategies to support students' math development. Convention Details
Thank you for your dedication to the field of school psychology, and we look forward to seeing you at the Fall 2025 Convention. Warm regards, Brittany Vigilius, NCSP, KASP President |
Board Minute Summary by Madison Rziha, Secretary Saturday, August 23, 2025, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm – Summer Board Retreat The KASP Executive Board convened on Saturday, August 23 for the Summer Board Meeting. The meeting was called to order at 8:30am. The board discussed the potential of hiring a lobbyist to assist KASP in taking legislative action including what the costs, benefits, and challenges would be to do this. The discussion was tabled until board members can consult with other organizations on their practices. Board members also discussed the potential of having a GPR committee to assist in advocacy work. Board members will review membership applications to find those that have expressed interest in KASP committees and leadership. Additionally, the GPR Chair and Student Representative shared their experience attending the NASP Public Policy Institute. They reported that they had a great experience where they were able to meet with representatives from other states to share ideas and brainstorm new ways to advocate. The board discussed adding an additional KASP membership perk in the form of a speaker that would also serve as social justice CPDs. More information will be shared about this soon. The board conducted the first session of a book study they are conducting to gain additional knowledge on diversity and social justice (Courageous Conversations About Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools and Beyond by Gleen E. Singleton). The board discussed the possibility of changing the Treasurer position to a paid voting position. A motion was proposed and approved (with the Treasurer abstaining from the vote) to take it to full membership for a vote. Following this, the board engaged in a discussion regarding how to best collaborate with KSDE. The board discussed having assigned board members to collaborate with members at KSDE to aid in the ongoing partnership. The Northeast Representative/Web Master proposed a new logo design. The board voted and implemented the new logo. Following this, the board discussed ways in which we can ensure we are addressing our strategic plan effectively and efficiently. The Presidential Triumvirate will be delving further into the plan and assigning tasks as necessary. The board circled back to a conversation regarding Ad-Hoc research participation. The board clarified how we will respond when someone requests that the board sends out research opportunities. The Executive Committee will be updating the Standing Rules to ensure they are updated appropriately. Board reports were then provided beginning with the President-Elect/Communication Director who discussed potential conference awards and swag. The board also discussed potential partnerships with various organizations. The Conference Chair discussed the upcoming convention schedule, potential vendors, and the most effective way to get attendance recorded. Following this, the Executive Manager proposed potential convention t-shirt ideas and membership swag, as well as provided an update on the historical document digitization. The Treasurer reviewed the budget. The NASP Delegate shared upcoming events including Fall Leadership Assembly and the resurgence of “Lunch with Lina.” The Webmaster shared the new website with the updated logo and colors. The GPR Chair shared potential additional mental health advocacy options. The Western Region Representative shared that a social will be planned for January, with more details coming soon. The meeting adjourned at 2:44pm. |
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Virtual Workshop
Navigating Legal and Ethical Services for LGBTQ+ Youth in Schools
Dr. Leandra Parris
Thursday, September 25th, 2025
9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Earn 1.5 hours CPDs
Register HERE
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Lunch with Lina is coming back on October 24th at noon! For those unfamiliar with Lunch with Lina, this is time for Kansas school psychologists to gather virtually and collaborate. Be on a lookout for a link! |
Legislative Corner
During the most recent Kansas legislative session, KASP, with the assistance of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, introduced a bill for Kansas to join the Interstate Compact for School Psychology. Recently, Delaware became the seventh state to join the compact. The addition of the seventh state means that the Interstate Compact is now operational. We are hopeful this will make a difference with our shortages.
NASP Public Policy Institute (PPI) was held over the summer. This was the largest PPI in history with 80 participants representing over 30 states! Three representatives from Kansas travelled to Washington, D.C. to learn more about policy-making, coalition-building, and advocacy at the local, state and national levels. This was an incredible opportunity to speak with Senators and Representatives at the federal level about the things that impact our practice and student success. It was shortly after our visit to legislative offices that the frozen Title II and Tilte IV money was released to the states. Plans our underway to present more information about PPI and the process of advocacy at the KASP annual convention October 16 and 17 in Overland Park, Kansas.
Register for the convention today!
The United States Department of Education is currently in the process of changing PSLF. These changes would make many special education cooperatives and interlocals ineligible for PSLF loan forgiveness. This would mean that school psychologists would lose eligibility for loan forgiveness. You can see the proposed changes here. Comments on the proposed rules changes are currently being accepted through this link. Please comment with a personal story about how the proposed rule changes impact you and your ability to serve Kansas students. All comments must be posted by 11:59 p.m. on September 17.
Local elections are just around the corner. In some contested races, primaries have already taken place. KASP does not endorse political candidate but does encourage you to vote.
Register today for the KASP Fall Convention! Fall KASP Convention 2025: Mathletes: Empowering Minds, Multiplying Impact
FALL CONVENTION NEWS!
We are so excited to see everyone in Overland Park on October 16th & 17th for the 2025 KASP Fall Convention! This year’s convention features a Keynote Presentation by Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden and a full-day workshop by Dr. Robin Codding, along with amazing breakout sessions, world-famous Kansas City barbeque, and special edition conference swag worthy of our 65th anniversary celebration. We will also have some very special guests and vendors. Don’t forget to register by September 17th to take advantage of the early bird discount, and remember to bring your team! Because this year’s theme is so relevant to all educators, every KASP member that registers has the opportunity to register up to FOUR guests at a discounted rate! Guest registration must be completed at the time of the KASP member registration to access the special pricing. Register now at KASP.org! We’ve partnered with the Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express to give you options for accommodations. Room reservations must be made by September 17th to receive the group rate! Be sure to make your nominations for this year’s awards! We are still accepting nominations for: Kansas School Psychologist of the Year KASP Lifetime Achievement Award Edna L. Harrison Pioneer Award KASP Diversity Graduate Student Scholarship .Nominations must be submitted by September 15th. Visit KASP.org for more information! Follow us on social media for continuous updates and announcements about this year’s Fall Convention and other KASP news. Facebook: Kansas Association of School Psychologists Instagram: @kaspempowers X: @KASPonline See you in October! |
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Update from the Student Representative |
"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” -Audre Lorde
This summer I was fortunate enough to attend NASP’s Public Policy Institute (PPI) in Washington, D.C. Overall, it was a great opportunity to connect with school psychologists from all over the country, find community, and tackle the issues facing public education together. School psychologists from over 30 states gathered for 2 days of training and collaboration before meeting with over 90 congressional offices to advocate for funding and mental health support in public education. Realizing there are so many people eager to engage in this work collaboratively was empowering and reinvigorating. Attending as a student emphasized to me there are so many points of entry to advocacy work, whether you have decades of experience in the field or are still in school. It is never too early to start building connections and finding your path as an advocate. I encourage you to start now.
Check out this video of me and a fellow FHSU student sharing more about our experience.
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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.