School's in Session

It's hard to believe that it is almost the 2013-2014 school year and that I have completed one entire year as a school psychologist. I am not going to lie when I say last year was a rough one, probably the roughest that I've ever had, and there were days that I felt completely overwhelmed and unprepared. There were some days that I didn't want to come back to work and could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even though it was rough, I learned a lot about myself, the school district, and my capabilities. I am excited to say that I know this school year will be better. I know what to expect and I know how to prepare for it. Of course there will always be challenges and things that pop up that I am not prepared for, but hopefully being prepared for other things, can help minimize the stress (which usually looks like me running around like a chicken with its head cut off)!

Even though it was hard coming back to work and getting in the swing of things, I have already compiled a list of my evaluations for the year (significantly less than last year) and started working on social skills lessons for several groups that I plan on conducting. I have revamped our forms for Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans to make the process quicker and easier. In the next few days we have some trainings, which I am not too excited about, but at least it will get me out of my office (that I share with 8 other people and leaves little to the imagination in terms of confidential conversations). I plan to begin working on background information for my evaluation reports this year and as soon as school starts, I will begin testing students like my life depends on it. Actually, my life does depend on it, since this is where my paycheck comes from. If I get a head start on testing, I should be able to spend more time in classrooms, conducting consultations and working with students that need additional assistance. This will all make for a happier, calmer school year, that I know I will appreciate as well as the teachers and staff that have to put up with me.

With that being said, I feel like I can take on any challenge and am looking forward to positive changes this year! Bring it, 2013-2014!