Parkland Community Advisory Council February 19, 2015 CO-PRESIDENTS VICE PRESIDENT/MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Marie Maritch Ann Segan Linda Perlman-McKenna Melanie St. Hill ATTENDEES : Melanie St. Hill, Marie Maritch, Nicole Mandry, Ann Segan, Ben Gulledge, Linda Perlman-McKenna, Mary Braccili, Deb Martin, Trish Balestrini, Bob Fager, Monica Gutman, Lisa Hayducek, Tara Imdorf GUESTS : Nancy Trach, Melissa Bowers ABSENT/EXCUSED: Melissa Maggioncalda, Michelle Wahlmark, David Briggs, Melissa Grube STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Adriana Facchiano, Morgan Imdorf, Mitchell Knafo SCHOOL BOARD REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa Adams ADMINISTRATION: Dr. Rodney R. Troutman, Assistant Superintendent CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Marie Maritch at 7:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion to approve the minutes from January 15, 2015 was made by Mary Braccili, and seconded by Ben Gulledge. The motion passed unanimously. PRESENTATION: The Role of School Psychologists Dr. Troutman introduced Robert Thornburg, Director of Student Services. Mr. Thornburg provided an overview of the Student Services Department, which includes health services, guidance counseling, speech/language support, special education, and psychological services, which was the focus of the evening s discussion. He then introduced key members of the psychological services team who discussed the role of school psychologists at the elementary, middle and high school levels. David Ramsey, Psychological Services Coordinator, distributed a handout from the National Association of School Psychologists which provided general information on the role that school psychologists play in helping students, families, teachers, administrators and other school professionals. He highlighted three key things that have affected/changed the role of the school psychologist over time: 1) Legislation addressing the needs of the disabled 2) Events such as school shootings 3) Overall scope and responsibilities of school boards and public expectations. 1
Steve Matulevicius, School Psychologist, discussed the role of the psychologist at the elementary level, noting that a lot of time is now spent working with teachers on how data changes educational practices in the classroom. He commented on his team s involvement in key initiatives at the elementary school level including new report cards, and response to instruction and intervention. He highlighted that while school psychologists are involved with interventions that help kids-at-risk to improve learning and to develop skills needed for success, this is not the only focus; their role is to help all kids improve and make academic progress. The elementary school psychologists play a key role with the school-wide positive behavior support program--a reinforcement/reward system focused on positive behavior expectations aimed at improving school climate. In addition, the school psychologists are involved with conflict resolution, educational testing, testing for disabilities, enrichment for gifted kids, helping teachers see improvements in the classroom, and making sure kids with special needs are identified early to ensure that they receive the support services they need. Brian Barone, School Psychologist at SMS discussed the role of the psychologist at the middle school level. He noted that at this level, decisions are also made based upon data to ensure everyone is making academic progress. Middle school psychologists use Study Island to benchmark reading, identify those not making good progress, and examine what else can be done to support students better. They also test for special education eligibility, identify barriers to accessing the general curriculum, and work with individuals at risk for mental health issues or behavior that proves dangerous to self or others. If behavior is severe, then the psychologists complete a threat assessment to determine if it is safe for the child to return to school. For those students with mental health issues who may be at risk for self-harm, the psychologists assess the level of risk of self-harm (anxiety, depression, cutting), may interface with private psychologists, provide resources for parents, and recommend outside evaluation or hospitalization, if needed. Another key initiative involving the school psychologists in the middle schools is the bullying prevention program. This program includes class readings, discussions about diversity, a system for logging reports of bullying from students, teachers, parents, and identifying patterns. Kelly Theophille discussed the role of the school psychologist at the high school level. She pointed out that they do not do as much initial identification/testing at the high school level, although they are involved in retesting of students with special needs every 2-3 yrs as needed. She noted that they are involved with helping guidance counselors to manage Chapter 15 individuals, i.e., those with physical disabilities and medical conditions, such as ADHD. (This is not the same as an IEP.) In addition, there is not as much curriculum-based data analysis at the high school level. Instead, the high school psychologists are more involved with issues of discipline, attendance, and perhaps most importantly, mental health concerns that often develop or manifest in adolescence, e.g., anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol use. The biggest issue affecting student outcomes is mental health concerns. Ms. Theophille described the role of the Student Support Team (SST) in helping kids at risk. It was also noted that there is an out-patient psychologist on-site who is available on a limited basis, with a referral from the school, to assist students at risk. Lastly, Ms. Theophille discussed the psychologists role in special education, noting the goal to help to prepare students for life after high school. A large focus is on problem solving and how to empower students. Rob Thornburg summed up the group s presentation. School psychologists work collaboratively with teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, and outside professionals to make sure each and every student reaches their potential. Their role is to help remove barriers to learning, to assist families in accessing services, and to collaborate with community professionals as needed. He highlighted that there are a total of 7 school psychologists for the district -- approximately 1 for 2
every 1500 students, with 2 at the high school for 3200 students. While this ratio is ok, it is not what we would ideally like to have if we had additional funding. He shared that the outpatient counselor to which Ms. Theophille referred is a PhD psychologist/school-based counselor, named Dr. Christine Gorigoitia- Wittenberg who works at the school 2-3 days/week in a private space in the back of the PHS library. Kids with mental health issues and parental consent get referred to her through the school guidance counselor or school psychologist. He credited Mr. Sniscak, PSD Superintendent, for being very forward thinking in arranging to trade office space at the high school in exchange for psychological services to help students in need. He clarified that this counselor is very helpful in navigating the complex insurance system to arrange payment for services through a students insurance plan. Comments and questions were then entertained by the presenters. Lisa Adams asked about the anti-bullying rally at PHS. It was explained that there will likely be a different annual event each year to remind students of their pledge to stand against bullying. It was noted that school psychologists are an important resource for kids who are high achievers and struggle with the pressures of school; they are available to help these high flying kids to achieve balance in their lives. Regarding accessing services Mr. Thornburg noted that our schools are good at identifying kids who need help, e.g., looking at attendance issues and other data to determine who may need help. Also kids/parents may call their guidance counselor to ask for a referral to a school psychologist. The district tries to develop data collection systems to aid in the planning of appropriate prevention programs. Suggestions were made by several committee members that staff should hold a presentation or workshop for parents on how to help kids deal with mental health issues, such as test anxiety, general anxiety, depression, stress reduction, and mindfulness. Suggestions were also made to share with staff tips on mindfulness and stress reduction. SCHOOL BOARD REPORT: 8:10pm Lisa Adams presented a School Board Update. She clarified that there are no plans to start the 2015-2016 school year prior to Labor Day. She reported on the status of the open principal position at Fogelsville Elementary, noting that they have narrowed down the candidates and a decision will be announced shortly. Lisa also highlighted that the district is conducting interviews to find a firm to conduct a feasibility study regarding what to do about building space for full-day kindergarten. This will include a plan on what to do with the Troxell Building. Lastly, Lisa Adams presented a legislative update. She reported that Governor Tom Wolf appointed a new Secretary of Education, Pedro Rivera, former Superintendent of the Lancaster School District. She also highlighted the governor s focus on the problems of the state s underfunded pension system and underfunded education system, noting that he has gotten a lot of feedback/calls/ complaints about schools having to cut educational programs because of the burden school districts bear due to the pension liability. She also noted a possible natural gas tax to help fund education. 3
STUDENT REPORT: Adriana Facchiano, Morgan Imdorf, Mitchell Knafo Sports -Spring sports begin March 2nd Activities Academics -Boys basketball -Next game Feb. 21 @ 2:30 Pocono Mountain West -Districts begin next week -Girls basketball -Next game Feb. 20 @ 6 PM @ Pottsville -Districts begin next week -Springs sports begin March 2nd -Mr. Parkland Results from Feb. 7th- -Second Runner Up- Bryan Sobczak -Runner Up- Sayem Rahman -Winner- Alfred Hayward -Parkland s First Annual Mini-Thon -Sign-ups occurred last two weeks -Event held in April -Key Club -Hosting their second blood drive of the year on Feb 24th -Indoor Percussion Shows -Feb. 21st at 2 PM - March 21st at 1 PM hosted by the Parkland Music Boosters -Semi-Formal Dance -March 21st at 7:30 PM -Spring Musical -Into the Woods; Opening Night- March 8th- Tickets available online -SAT- March 14 th 4
OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: A motion to approve the membership of Monica Gutman and Nancy Trach was made by Deb Martin, and seconded by Lisa Hayducek. The motion passed unanimously. ROUNDTABLE: Many thanks were offered to Rob Thornburg and his staff. The student representatives expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to voice their opinion on the subject. Lisa Adams announced that she has a copy of the video documentary, Race to Nowhere! It was noted that Schnecksville kids are making cards for kids at Lehigh Valley Hospital during recess and after PSSAs as part of an outreach program. Next month s meeting will be held at Kratzer s library. Members will get a tour of the Kratzer renovation project and other potential Parkland future projects will be discussed. Deb Martin encouraged market day through PHS to help support post-prom committee. MOTION TO ADJOURN: At 8:33 p.m., Melanie St. Hill called for a motion to adjourn. The motion was made by Lisa Hayducek and seconded by Ann Segan. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Linda Perlman-McKenna 5