• Creating a dynamic and vital organization of support for the profession

• Enhancing our skills and creating opportunities to expand our services

• Influencing policy regarding 1) the practice of school psychology; 2) the quality of education; and 3) the provision of comprehensive services to children, youth, and families 

NHASP Provides Information for Educators

During COVID-19

A group of NHASP leaders, led by Nate Jones, has developed a guidance document on school psychology and the return to learning. Recommendations for screening and individual evaluations are given, as well as considerations for how to maintain a broad scope of practice. 

School Psychology and the Return to Learning-Final.pdf

The NHASP Study Group on Executive Skills, led by Peg Dawson, has developed two documents. First is a set of "Tips for Caregivers and Parents on Schooling at Home: What Role Do Executive Skills Play." This wonderful set of tips can be used by everyone working with our students during this time of remote learning. The second is a Message for Teachers on Stress and Executive Skills. 

Tips on Schooling at Home EF Dawson[3435].pdf

Stress and executive skills-by P Dawson.pdf

Additionally, the NHASP Ethics Committee has provided a guide on the "Delivery of School Psychological Services in New Hampshire During COVID-19 School Closures." This guide outlines many of the important considerations for school psychologists during this time. 

NHASP COVID-19 RESPONSE.pdf

The NHASP Executive board created a practice guidance document on Social Justice. It outlines the role that school psychologists and NHASP has in Social Justice. This is a commitment to have social justice as a core value, underlying the work of school psychologists in New Hampshire. 

Social Justice Practice Guidance

NHASP & NHASEA Adopt Joint Position Statement on The Appropriateness of Educational Teams Using Conditions and/or Diagnoses Identified by School Psychologists  

NHASP and the NH Association of Special Education Administrators (NHASEA) are proud to announce the joint adoption of a position statement on “The Appropriateness of Educational Teams Using Conditions and/or Diagnoses Identified by School Psychologists.” Adopted on November 18^th (NHASP) and November 20^th (NHASEA) 2020, this statement clarifies that school psychologists are able to identify conditions and diagnoses that IEP and 504 teams can then use for eligibility decisions and program planning.

Both NHASP and NHASEA are excited to announce this position statement, which can be accessed at www.nhaspweb.org/papers. Association leaders will continue to partner to promote this statement and advocate for practice changes in our NH schools where needed. In brief, the statement outlines that school teams should not require families to provide a diagnosis from a community provider, such as a physician or a private psychologist before determining eligibility. Additionally, while multiple eligibility areas require the school obtain a health assessment as part of the comprehensive evaluation process, the health evaluation does not need to provide this diagnosis. Instead, the school psychologist can be the professional who identifies the condition or diagnosis for the team to consider, along with the results of evaluations completed by other professionals as part of the team process.

We encourage everyone to read the position statement and consider the implications for practices in their school. Watch for additional resources on this topic coming in the near future. Thank you to all who worked on this position statement, including the NHASP writing committee of Nate Jones (chair), Ryan Long, Dave Smith, and Jonas Taub; NHASEA executive director Jane Bergeron; and Michael Opuda and attorney Gerald Zelin from Drummond Woodsum.

Position Statement-Appropriate Use of Diagnoses

NHASP announces the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient!

Dave Smith has been a vibrant and essential member of the New Hampshire Association of School Psychologists, working with countless children, adolescents, families and educators in his 30+ years as a school psychologist in New Hampshire. Dave engaged in a wide range of activities, including counseling, consultation, program development, and assessments throughout the state, including school districts in Lebanon, Dover, Hampton, Barrington, Northwood, Nottingham, Strafford, Laconia, Winnisquam Region, Gilmanton, and Franklin. Dave has a passion for being a lifelong learner and continues to engage in opportunities to further his knowledge in school law, school administration, learning disabilities, adventure based counseling, language disorders, and computer programming. 

Dave has made essential contributions to the NHASP executive board for 29 years, taking on the roles of Newsletter Editor, Treasurer, and President. He is also a former School Psychologist of the Year. Dave has a keen attention to detail and understanding of what is needed to support the school psychology profession across NH. He was always considered the fiscal hawk and voice of reason on the board, and his understanding of ethical practice and common sense judgement led others to his counsel. NHASP thanks Dave for everything he has provided to others, and continues to do so.

NHASP announces the 2019 NH School Psychologist of the Year!

NHASP is pleased to announce that Kathy Secinaro was awarded the 2019 School Psychologist of the Year award this past June, and honored at the ED’ies award ceremony for the work she does as a school psychologist in New Hampshire.  Kathy is described by her colleagues as an individual whose "...enthusiastic initiative and efforts have made a tremendous positive impact in the lives of the children, parents, and staff at Barnstead Elementary School."  She provides a full range of school psychological services to her community, demonstrates strong communication and collaboration skills, completes comprehensive evaluations, counsel’s students in crisis, and participates in systems change efforts to enhance the mental health of others.  Mrs. Secinaro is described as a driving factor in the positive outcomes for kids and inspires fellow school psychologists to shine in their field.”

Another colleague writes, “As a current member of the New Hampshire Association of School Psychologists with many years of experience working in diverse school settings, Kathy brings an impressive toolkit to her work with students, staff, and families in our Barnstead school community serving approximately 500 students preschool through 8th grade. Kathy came to us highly regarded after several years of working collaboratively with school psychologists to deliver a broad range of assessments in the Rochester School District…working among 12 different schools. Prior to that, Kathy worked at Prospect Mountain High School, where she did all of the special education evaluations, as well as counseling for special education students…”  Additionally, “Her broad range of experiences with students preschool through 12th grade, her strong communication and collaboration skills, and her strong ability to connect interpersonally with students, families, and staff have led her to be a key resource for our school.” 

Congratulations to Mrs. Secinaro from NHASP and the education community!.