Delaware Association of School Psychologists News

DASP Rebranding: A Catalyst for Growth and Engagement

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 14:00:00 GMT

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional organizations, the process of rebranding holds immense potential to invigorate and expand membership. For the Delaware Association of School Psychologists, currently undergoing a rebranding initiative, this endeavor signifies a strategic move that can resonate deeply with its target audience and attract a larger, more engaged membership base.

Rebranding, in essence, is the process of revitalizing an organization's identity, from its name and logo to its core values and messaging. It goes beyond a mere cosmetic makeover; it's a strategic shift aimed at aligning an organization's image with its evolving goals, values, and the changing needs of its members. Here's why rebranding can be a powerful tool to attract a larger membership:

Fresh Perspective: Rebranding provides an opportunity to shed old perceptions and embrace a new identity. This can rejuvenate the organization's image, making it more appealing to potential members who might have previously overlooked it or dismissed it as outdated.
Alignment with Current Trends: As the field of school psychology evolves, so do the needs and preferences of professionals within it. A rebranding effort allows the Delaware Association of School Psychologists to reflect the latest trends, methodologies, and approaches in its messaging and visual identity.
Enhanced Visibility: A well-executed rebranding effort can significantly boost an organization's visibility. This newfound visibility can attract not only seasoned professionals but also emerging talents in the field who are looking for a platform to connect, learn, and grow.
Focused Messaging: Rebranding enables an organization to sharpen its messaging and communication strategy. Clear and compelling messaging that resonates with school psychologists working with students throughout the state can forge a stronger emotional connection and resonate more deeply with potential members.
Inclusivity and Diversity: Rebranding offers an opportunity to reflect on the organization's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. By showcasing these values through its new branding, the Delaware Association of School Psychologists can attract a broader range of professionals who share these principles, fostering collaboration from members with different perspectives and experiences.
Member-Centric Approach: Rebranding allows the organization to reevaluate and tailor its offerings to better serve its members' needs. By focusing on the unique challenges faced by school psychologists in Delaware, the association can develop resources, events, and initiatives that directly address these challenges.
Fresh Start, Stronger Community: A rebranding effort often serves as a rallying point for current members, energizing them to actively participate and advocate for the organization. This renewed sense of community and purpose can be contagious, attracting new members who want to be part of a dynamic and passionate professional network.

In conclusion, rebranding the Delaware Association of School Psychologists is a strategic move that can breathe new life into the organization. By aligning its image with the needs and aspirations of Delaware school psychologists, the association stands to attract a larger, more engaged membership base. This transformation is not just about aesthetics; it's about sending a clear and compelling message that resonates with professionals in the field and positioning the association as a vibrant hub for growth, learning, and collaboration.

We look forward to hearing your feedback as we continue to evolve and support you!

2023 Award Nominations Now Open!

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:35:45 GMT

Check out our award nominations webpage for links to applications for School Psychologist of the Year, Friend of DASP, and Outstanding Advocates. Nomination window closes Friday, March 17, 2023.

Appoquinimink School District is Hiring!

Sat, 28 May 2022 16:53:55 GMT

See below for current postings in the Appoquinimink School District, including 5 added school psychologist positions with signing bonuses!

Supervisor of Special Education Compliance (PK-12). Please click the link for more information about this vacancy.

Coordinator of Secondary Special Education (Instruction). Please click the link for more information about this vacancy.

School Psychologist for Lorewood Grove Elementary - 2022-23 - $5,000 Signing Bonus. Please click the link for more information about this vacancy.

School Psychologist for Redding Middle School- 2022-23 - $5,000 Signing Bonus. Please click the link for more information about this vacancy.

School Psychologist - Shared Schools – Odessa High and Cantwell’s Bridge Middle - 2022-23 - $5,000 Signing Bonus. Please click the link for more information about this vacancy.

School Psychologist - Shared Schools – Waters Middle and Redding Middle - 2022-23 - $5,000 Signing Bonus. Please click the link for more information about this vacancy.

School Psychologist - Shared Schools – Bunker Hill and Meredith Middle - 2022-23 - $5,000 Signing Bonus. Please click the link for more information about this vacancy.

Delaware 2022 Behavioral Health Professional of the Year

Fri, 27 May 2022 13:42:54 GMT

Congratulations to Rosa DiPiazza, Milford School District School Psychologist (and DASP GPR Co-Chair), for being named Delaware's inaugural 2022 Behavior Health Professional of the Year!

Read all about it in a recent Delaware Department of Education article.

Job Posting

Tue, 10 May 2022 16:09:33 GMT

There is a vacancy in the NCCVT School District for the 2022-2023 school year. Check out the district website for more details!

2022 Award Nominations are live!

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 19:23:48 GMT

DASP is seeking nominations for the following awards:

• Delaware School Psychologist of the Year (SPOTY)

• Outstanding Advocate

• Friend of DASP

Check out our Award Nominations page for more information!

University of Delaware is hiring!

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 23:47:35 GMT

Tenure Track Faculty Position, School Psychology

The School of Education (SOE) at the University of Delaware invites applications for an outstanding scholar and teacher in School Psychology. This 9-month tenure track faculty position is open rank (Assistant, Associate, or Professor level). The start date of the position is September 1, 2022.

Click here for more information!

Adult Prison Ed is Hiring

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 17:22:03 GMT

Contracted Services for School Psychologist in the Prison Education Program
Work: Psycho-educational evaluations and assessments, consultative meetings and report development for student with Special Needs at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution (Wilmington, DE) and Dolores Baylor Women’s Correctional Center (New Castle, DE)
Reports to: Teacher/Supervisor of the Howard R Young Prison Education Program and Teacher/Supervisor of the Baylor Prison Education Program
Dates of Work: Approximately July 15, 2019 to June 30, 2020 on an as needed basis
Contract Not To Exceed: $8,000 (including OECs where applicable)
Date for Application: July 30, 2019
Submit Resume and Letter of Intent to: Maureen.Whelan@doe.k12.de.us under the subject line “HRYCI School Psychologist”
Description of Work: Psycho-evaluations and assessments, consultations and report development for Level 5 offenders at Howard R Young and Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution
Requirements: Must be a currently licensed school psychologist; possession of DOC clearance is preferred.

Any questions regarding this contract can be directed to the Young Teacher/Supervisor Darrell.miller@state.de.us

NCC Vo-Tech is hiring!

Sun, 12 May 2019 01:56:30 GMT

A school psychologist position is available within NCC Vo-Tech School District. Great district and friendly people to work with! If you or anyone you know is interested, please visit our website and feel free to send Ellen Flanagan an email with any questions. ellenfb@verizon.net or ellen.flanagan@nccvt.k12.de.us

MOT Charter is hiring!

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 16:11:02 GMT

2019 School Psychologist.pdf

MOT Charter is hiring a K-12 school psychologist for part time/flexible hours (25 hours per week)! Please click the link above to see a full job description.

Job Opportunity!

Sun, 04 Nov 2018 01:35:30 GMT

A school psychologist position JUST became available at Delcastle Technical High School in the NCCVT School District. The new hire will join the current full-time school psychologist, Ellen Flanagan Burns. Great district and friendly people to work with! If you or anyone you know is interested, please feel free to send Ellen an email with any questions. Send any inquiries to ellenfb@verizon.net or ellen.flanagan@nccvt.k12.de.us

DASP Advocacy RE: Regulation 225

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 14:05:22 GMT

One of the benefits of a state organization is that we advocate for our members, for our profession, and for the students in our schools on issues that impact them. Most recently, the DASP Government and Professional Relations Committee, headed by Eric Pizzini and Courtney Kennell, developed a statement regarding recent changes to Regulation 225. Specifically, DASP expresses significant concerns with the updates made in the most recent version of Regulation 225, and does not support it as currently written.

The DASP statement, linked below in the PDF file named "DASP_response to Regulation 225.docx.pdf", states that DASP is concerned with the requirement of having parent or guardian permission prior to the school taking “action to recognize a change in any protected characteristic”. Overall, DASP is in disagreement with this position. By not allowing a student to use a self-identified gender or race if a parent or guardian denies it, or if a student doesn’t feel comfortable getting permission from a parent, it creates an environment that is not welcoming for a student and allows for potential discrimination by the school by not recognizing a Protected Characteristic solely due to the parent’s wishes. It is DASP’s position that all students, regardless of various Protected Characteristics, including gender identity, have the right to a safe and supportive environment within the educational arena. When students are in school climates that are safe, inclusive, and respectful of diversity, they perform better academically, behaviorally, and socially-emotionally.

Thank you to Eric, Courtney, and the rest of the contributing DASP Board members for their thoughtful creation of this document.

DASP response to Regulation 225.docx.pdf

Advocacy Alert!

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 14:25:18 GMT

Senator Nelson of Florida recently introduced a bill to increase the number of school psychologists, counselors, and social workers in schools. In order to support our profession, we should also support this legislation. Therefore, it is imperative that you write/call your local officials and ask them to co-sponsor this bill. This can be done via the NASP website- http://cqrcengage.com/naspweb/app/onestep-write-a-letter?7&engagementId=478893

Thank you!

Registration for the 2018 DASP Conference is OPEN!

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 19:25:48 GMT

Check out the "Upcoming Events" section of the website to register for the DASP Conference. This year, we are also offering PREPaRE training for the two days prior to the conference itself. PREPaRE training will take place on May 8th and 9th from 8:00-2:00 on each day. There are only 40 spots available, so act fast!

The DASP Fall Newsletter is here!

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 21:57:41 GMT

Click here to see this year's Fall newsletter!

DASP Spring Conference 2017 Registration OPEN

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 12:59:56 GMT

The advent of Daylight Savings Time also heralds another important tradition, at least for Delaware's school psychologists - Spring Conference Registration!

Registration options are now available! Check out more details under our Spring Conference tab, or jump right to your registration options here!

Don't forget to register for the Spring Membership Dinner as well.

See you all at the coast!

ESSA Letters to be sent to State Plan Committee

Wed, 08 Feb 2017 13:52:39 GMT

An email went out to members this morning that contained the following:

DASP Members--Important Memo

We are sending out a drafted letter to represent school psychologists in the most recent draft of Delaware's ESSA plan. You may edit the letter in any way that you like to address your specific concerns or you may simply use the letter in its original form and sign/type your name at the bottom before submitting. The letter is our association's efforts in advocating for school psychologists and our specific concerns in Delaware's drafted plan so please read through the letter to get a better understanding of the specific points we are looking at. (You can use this or just go off of it for the email)

ESSA Letter - Edited Draft.docx

Please submit your letter to ESSAStatePlan@doe.k12.de.us by Friday, February 10th at the latest, as it is the last day for written comments.

Program Committee Meeting

Wed, 11 Jan 2017 00:56:42 GMT

We need your help to plan for DASP events! Please join us for a virtual meeting on January 12th at 7pm. RSVP to Gabi Koury (gabi.koury@redclay.k12.de.us).

School Psychology Awareness Week

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 00:53:50 GMT

School Psychology Awareness Week (SPAW) is November 14-18, 2016. The theme is Small Steps Change Lives. Our goal is to highlight how taking small steps can build greater successes and develops the academic and social-emotional skills students need to promote personal achievement, growth, and resilience, as well as a sense of belonging and wellbeing. Resources and messaging can be adapted to students and adults, different age groups, and multiple contexts. The program involves a series of resources and suggested activities to help school staff, students and parents understand the variety of factors that contribute to thriving students and school communities. Click here for more information.

Every Student Succeeds Act

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 00:42:44 GMT

State Secretary of Education Steven H. Godowsky is inviting stakeholders from across the state to discuss ESSA implementation and provide us with input on issues such as how the state uses federal education dollars to help ensure that all students have equitable access to a high-quality education. These forums are one way in which we are soliciting feedback to inform our state plan.

November 16, 2016: 6:00p, Wilmington

Register here!

November 21, 2016: 6:00p, Cape Henlopen

Register here!

November 29, 2016: 6:00p, Seaford

Register here!

December 1, 2016: 6:00p, Dover

Register here!

December 8, 2016: 6:00p, Newark

Register here!

This is a great opportunity for school psychologists across the state to impact law and thus practice. Click here for more information about ESSA.

Government and Public Relations Committee

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 00:35:34 GMT

Are you interested in advocating for school psychologists in Delaware? Please join us for a virtual meeting on November 9th at 7pm. RSVP to Courtney Chasko (courtney.chasko@irsd.k12.de.us) or Eric Pizzini (eric.pizzini@redclay.k12.de.us) by November 8th.

Re-authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

Sun, 18 Oct 2015 16:34:48 GMT

As you may know, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act is being reauthorized. We need your help to preserve some very important provisions regarding school-based mental health programs, which also includes maintaining an explicit definition of ‘school psychologist’ and funding for school-based mental health providers/programs!!

It is important that the legislation includes the following provisions :

§ 4301, authorizing the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program;

§ 2103(b)(4)(K), allowing Local Education Agencies to use Title II funds to ensure that school personnel are able to identify and support children with trauma history and children at risk for mental illness;

§ 1113(c)(2)(F)(ii)(III)(aa), allowing funds for school-wide programs in targeted assistance schools to be used for counseling, school based mental health programs, specialized instructional support services, and mentoring services;

§ 4103(c)(3)(B)(ii), allowing State Education Agencies to use Title IV funds to assist local education agencies to expand access to school based counseling and mental health resources;

§ 4103(c)(3)(B)(ix), allowing State Education Agencies to use Title IV funds to design and implement evidence based mental health awareness training programs.

DASP has responded by signing on to a letter NASP is organizing for state and national organizations. Now, we need your help by individually responding via sending a letter to our legislators. Please click the link below to send a letter that NASP graciously generated for us. It is VERY easy to send a letter to all 3 DE representatives...all it takes is entering your personal information and clicking a few buttons; the letter is pre-written. Please consider taking a few minutes to help keep important school-based mental health supports in the ESEA!!

From NASP:

This letter mirrors a Dear Colleague Letter being circulated in the House and the Senate by Senator Franken, Senator Ayotte, and Representative Clark. http://cqrcengage.com/naspweb/app/write-a-letter?3&engagementId=132179

Early Career Professional Group

Sun, 18 Oct 2015 10:35:57 GMT

Early Career Professional Group

DASP is starting an Early Career Professional Group. that will meet approximately every other month (November, January, March, May, and July) to have a book study or guest speakers. Although this is targeted at school psychologists early in their careers, the group is open to anyone who is interested! We are also looking for volunteers to help facilitate some of these discussions.

To kick off this new series, we will be starting with a book study of Ordinary Magic: Resilience in Development by Ann S. Masten. This is how Barnes & Noble describes the book, "Ann S. Masten explores what allows certain individuals to thrive and adapt despite adverse circumstances, such as poverty, chronic family problems, or exposure to trauma. Coverage encompasses the neurobiology of resilience as well as the role of major contexts of development: families, schools, and culture. Identifying key protective factors in early childhood and beyond, Masten provides a cogent framework for designing programs to promote resilience."

This first meeting will occur right before the Membership Dinner on Monday 11/9/15 at Dover Downs. The exact time and other details will be announced soon.

If you are interested in meeting on 11/9 to discuss Ordinary Magic, please RSVP to Teri Lawler at teri.lawler@redclay.k12.de.us. If you are interested in volunteering to facilitate a future book study or be a guest speaker, please also email Teri.

School Psychology Awareness Week

Mon, 10 Nov 2014 11:00:00 GMT

It's School Psychology Awareness Week! The State of Delaware has officially recognized School Psychology Awareness Week as occurring from November 10th to November 14th, 2014.

NASP's theme this year is Strive. Grow. THRIVE! Please visit their website for many resources and activity ideas. What are you doing to celebrate School Psychology Awareness Week in your school district?

Educator Town Halls

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 02:02:50 GMT

The Committee to Advance Educator Compensation & Careers (CAECC) is designing a new compensation system for educators. In short, this CAECC Task Force is charged with revamping the way teachers are paid in Delaware. The plan is due on the Governor's desk by November 15.

Town hall meetings will be held at several locations across the state next week. An overview of the proposed plan will be presented along with time for a Q&A session. Please consider attending one or more of the session listed below. The times and dates of the session are included below:

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27^TH for Sussex County

4:00 – 5:30 at the Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, DE 19958

6:30 – 8:00 at the Sussex County Chambers, 2 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28^th for Kent County

5:30 to 7:00 at the Dover Public Library, 35 E. Loockerman St., Dover, DE 19901

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29^th for New Castle County

4:00 – 5:30 at the Bear Public Library, 101 Governor’s Place, Bear, DE 19701

6:30 – 8:00 at the 2^nd Floor Auditorium, Carvel Building, 820 N. French St., Wilmington 19801

If after this town hall you're interested in participating further, consider attending another workshop in Dover. The purpose of these meetings will be for us to provide suggestions and feedback. The dates of the workshops are listed below:

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3^rd from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10^th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

And finally, feel free to attend the official task force meetings, which are open to the public. State lawmakers and policymakers sit on this committee and will ultimately be charged with making a recommendation to the Governor for his 2015-16 budget. The dates and locations of the task force are listed below and there is time at each meeting for public comment:

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30^th from 5:00-7:00 - Townsend Bldg./ 2^nd floor Board Room, Dover

MONDAY, NOVERMBER 3^rd from 2:30-4:30 - location TBD

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12^th from 5:00-7:00 - location TBD

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18^th from 5:00-7:00 - Townsend Bldg./ 2^nd floor Board Room

If you have any questions about these upcoming meetings please email us at (Gabrielle.Koury@redclay.k12.de.us) or (jaclyn.purcell@redclay.k12.de.us).