Q. Whatistheroleoftheschoolpsychologist?A. We help ensure all students are successful in school academically, socially,

behaviorally and emotionally. We collaborate with building administration, staff,parentsandcommunitytoensurethatallkidsaremakingprogress.

Q.Whataresomeofthechallengesyoumayaddresswithstudentsyouserve?A. Theissuethatcomesupthemostisstudentswhoarenotacademicallysuccessful.

Thereare instrumentsweuse toevaluate thesestudents to see if theyhavealearning disability. If this is the case, we have specialized programs for thosestudentstobesuccessful.Oftenstudentsarecomingfromhomeswheretheyhavemanychallenges,includingpoverty,parentswhomightabusedrugs,andstudentswhoarelivinginhomelessshelters.

Q.Areyouseeingmorestudentscomingtoschoolwiththesetypesofissues?A. Yes, absolutely. Kids have fewer resources to pull from. We are seeing more

generationsofparentswhohavemental illnesswhichcanpassonto theirkids.IamatthestageinmycareerthatIcanseethreegenerationsofthispatterninfamilies.Itisanareathatissometimesdifficulttoaddressatschoolbecausewehavesuchlimitedtimewithstudents.AtPioneer,weputinalotofpositivesupportsforkidsandgive themreasonsto feelsafeandsuccessfulatschool. Wemeetclothingneeds throughaclosetclothingexchangeprogram.Wehavevastafterschoolopportunities.

Q.Howdoyouworkwithparentsontheseissues?A. Wehaveparentingclassestolearnskillsandwedohomevisits.Wehaveannual

meetingswithstudentswhohavedisabilitiesandwediscusswhattheprogramisandwhatwecandoforthestudent.Wearealwaysjustaphonecallawayandparentscomeinindividuallytomeetwithmetodiscusssolutions.

Over

WallaWallaPublicSchoolsClassroomClose-Up

TEACHERNAME:AliciaQuackenbush SCHOOL:Pioneer&BlueRidge

Position:SchoolPsychologist YEARSINDISTRICT:6years

MOMENTS & MEMORIES FROM

ALICIA QUACKENBUSH:

Some kids come to school with many challeng-

es. Special programs provide a way for them

to be successful in school. Parents don’t have

resources to address these needs alone.

Our role is important becausewe are looking at an individualstudent and how they fit into alarge system. We look at theirneedsandfindsolutions.

IgrewupinPueblo,ColoradoandattendedSeattlePacificUniversity.

MyhusbandisaphysicianinWallaWalla.Wehavethreegrownsons.Iliketoskiandridehorses.

COMMENTS FROM ALICIA:

I work with teachers to o

bserve students in

classrooms and I will giv

e suggestions or

accommodations that might

help students be

successfulinclass.