| KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Empowering Children, Educators, and Families |
Kansas Association of School Psychologists
Spring 2025 Edition
Lina Kitson, Editor Shelby Reichard, Associate Editor
|
Dear KASP Members, As another school year draws to a close, I'm filled with immense pride reflecting on our collective achievements. This spring has been particularly momentous as we've witnessed the fruition of our persistent advocacy efforts with Governor Kelly signing the Interstate Compact into law—a significant milestone that will enhance professional mobility and strengthen our practice across state lines. Your dedication to advancing our profession continues to create meaningful change for school psychologists throughout Kansas, ultimately benefiting the students and families we serve. The past few months have also seen unprecedented representation of KASP at the state level, with our board members securing vital seats on key KSDE committees. Their contributions to the Threat Screening Toolkit development have provided crucial psychological perspectives to this important resource, ensuring evidence-based approaches to school safety. Similarly, our involvement with the KSDE School Mental Health Leadership Team has positioned school psychologists as essential voices in shaping mental health initiatives across Kansas schools, reinforcing our commitment to comprehensive student support. Mark your calendars for our exciting Fall 2025 Convention, "Mathletes: Empowering Minds, Multiplying Impact," taking place October 16-17, 2025, at the Overland Park Convention Center. This exceptional professional development opportunity will focus on evidence-based mathematical instruction and intervention strategies that school psychologists can implement immediately in their practice. We're thrilled to feature two renowned experts in the field: Dr. Amanda VanderHeyden, a nationally recognized authority on Response to Intervention and mathematics instruction, and Dr. Robin Codding, whose groundbreaking work on academic interventions has transformed how we approach mathematics support in schools. Their combined expertise promises to deliver practical, research-based strategies that will enhance your ability to support students struggling with mathematics. As we transition into summer, I encourage you to take well-deserved time for rest and rejuvenation. Our profession demands much from us emotionally and intellectually, and intentional self-care is not just beneficial but necessary. Whether through professional reading, outdoor adventures, or quality time with loved ones, I hope you find meaningful ways to recharge before the new academic year begins. With gratitude for your continued dedication, Brittany Vigilius |
Board Minute Summary by Madison Rziha, Secretary Wednesday, April 9 6:30-8:30pm – Spring Board Meeting (Virtual) The KASP Executive Board convened virtually on the evening of Wednesday, April 9 for the Spring Board Meeting. The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm. Board members discussed upcoming conferences. Ideas presented included having a land acknowledgement, having additional time for law review, and finding more ways to get social justice professional development. Following this, the board discussed member identification on the website including the independent evaluator list and the graduate student status. Board discussed and approved Melissa Sullivan to change the independent evaluator list to only include members with regular or retired status and not students. After this, the board discussed when and how often to allow the promotion of graduate student research surveys. Jim Persinger is the current ad hoc reviewer. He would like to step down from that position. The board is looking into a new member to fill this role. Board members discussed recent communication with Trish Backman of KSDE. KASP is working with Trish Backman in the hopes of strengthening the partnership with KSDE. Trish Backman attended from 7:00 – 7:50pm. Topics that were discussed with Trish Backman included the BTAM training and toolkit, the Bullying Prevention Toolkit, and the School Mental Health Leadership Team. Trish Backman discussed several toolkits that KSDE is currently working on (Suicide Prevention, Bullying Prevention, and Threat Screener). She explained the differences within the toolkits and how she sees them being used in the field. The board presented questions about these toolkits, such as the tiered system they were going to be used in. Trish Backman stated she would take this consideration back to her team. The board noted that there had been a recent change in the March 2025 Eligibility Indicator document in the term “Emotional Disturbance” again versus the new “Emotional Disability” verbiage. Trish Backman was informed of this, and more information will be shared as it becomes available. The board discussed an opportunity at the USD 259 Support Staff Resource Fair. The Resource Fair is for Support Staff to gain information and make connections that will benefit them professionally and the students/families they serve. The following members attended this event: Angie Howard, Ashton Pfannenstiel, Mandy Cundy, and Brittany Vigilius. Following this, the board discussed the possibility of changing the Treasurer position to a paid, voting position. The executive board will collect additional information and discuss this again with the board at the next meeting. The board then discussed the potential of hiring a lobbyist to assist KASP in taking legislative action. This person would act in a consultative position to help clarify those goals and empower the board to take action. Board members discussed the pro and cons of hiring a lobbyist as well as discussing if it would be in the budget. This discussion was tabled and will be discussed at the summer board meeting. Finally, each board member shared any additional reports they had. The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm. |
|
|
Timely Topics |
KASP is thrilled to share that HB 2069 has officially been signed by the Governor, making Kansas one of the first six states to enact the School Psychology Interstate Compact into law! This compact will help school psychologists more easily work across state lines—supporting students, schools, and communities more effectively. Kansas joins Colorado, Nebraska, West Virginia, Alabama, and Georgia in leading the way. Only one more state is needed to make the compact operational! 9 other states are currently working through the process, and momentum is growing. Check out the progress across the country here: https://schoolpsychcompact.org/compact-map/ |
.png)
Join us for KASP's Fall Convention on October 16th and 17th at the BEST Conference, KU Edwards Campus, Overland Park, KS
Featuring Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden as the Keynote speaker and Dr. Robin Codding as the Friday Workshop speaker
Hotel information is coming soon!
CALL FOR PROPOSALS We KNOW that there are many amongst our fellow professionals that has expertise in various areas! Please submit your proposal by August 1st to bvigilius@usd260.com using the form below |
|
UPDATE FROM THE
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
As a school psychology student, it can be difficult knowing how to unwind from the previous school year while also preparing for the upcoming one. Summer brings a new kind of pressure to create balance we may struggle to maintain the rest of the year. Here is my unsolicited advice:
1. Read
- Stay on top of current events impacting education.
- https://www.nasponline.org/about-school-psychology/media-room/press-release
2. Advocate
- Find ways to stay connected and have an impact.
- https://www.nasponline.org/research-and-policy/advocacy/advocacy-action-center
3. Rest
- Restore your energy in order to continue learning and working to benefit students. If you find yourself underestimating the power of rest, I encourage you to check out Tricia Hersey’s work, Rest is Resistance.
https://www.npr.org/2022/12/27/1145716272/how-to-think-about-rest-as-a-form-of-resistance
Ashton Pfannenstiel
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.