(SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE—SCHOOL PSYCH WEEK)
-- MEDIA ALERT --
Further Information Contact:
DATE
YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
School Psychologists Help Students Thrive During National School
Psychology Awareness Week—November 10–14, 2014
Bethesda, MD—The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has designated November 10–14,
2014 as National School Psychology Awareness Week. This year’s theme, “Strive. Grow. THRIVE!” highlights the
continuum of engagement necessary to children’s healthy learning and development. Schools around the country will
be taking part in events and activities designed to help students and schools thrive.
NASP President Stephen E. Brock points to the important role of school psychologists in promoting school and
life success for students. “School psychologists work with students and teachers every day to promote wellness
and resilience, reinforce communication and social skills, and increase achievement academically, socially,
behaviorally, and emotionally. This year, school psychologists around the country will be helping not only
students but also school staff and families to understand the important links between striving, growing, and
thriving.”
“As educators, we know that children learn and grow by tapping into their natural abilities, taking on new
challenges, and developing new skills, with the proper guidance and support,” says Brock “The learning
environment is the ideal setting to help students build on their strengths and understand how striving leads to
growth, both of which are critical to thriving. Facilitating the strive-grow-thrive cycle is essential to promoting
competency, academic achievement, social–emotional wellness, and resilience, and it is entirely in keeping with
the mission and purpose of schools.”
Additionally, school psychologists will be collaborating with school staff to reinforce the common elements of a
thriving school community. “Many of the School Psychology Awareness Week resources and activities can be
applied to whole-school initiatives,” notes Brock. “This includes strengthening positive relationships between
adults and students, improving behavior, establishing welcoming school environments, reinforcing a sense of
mutual respect, and contributing to the good of the whole group”.
Several NASP programs are in place to reinforce aspects of the theme. School staff can use the Student
POWER Award to recognize those students who strive to make a difference through hard work, personal
optimism, and dedication to others. The Possibilities in Action Partnership Award recognizes the contributions of
teachers, administrators, other staff, and parents make to support the needs of the whole child. And the Gratitude
Works program is designed to help students focus on positive relationships, mature socially, and grow an
understanding of the world by fostering gratitude through a variety of activities.
As part of National School Psychology Awareness Week, school psychologists at [NAME OF SCHOOL] will be
adapting resources and activities provided by NASP to [FILL IN SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES AT YOUR SCHOOL.]
NASP represents 25,000 school psychologists throughout the United States and abroad. NASP empowers school
psychologists by advancing effective practices to improve students’ learning, behavior, and mental health.
For further information contact [LOCAL CONTACT] or NASP Director of Communications Kathy Cowan at
301-347-1665 or kcowan@naspweb.org, or visit www.nasponline.org.
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