Psychological Services
Psychological Services Overview
The primary mission of the school psychological services at Hempfield Area Schools is to contribute to the development and maintenance of an optimum environment for human learning and growth. Through their training in individual assessment as well as the application of psychological principles, the school psychologist offers information to promote an educational environment that is conducive to optimal personal growth for each child.
A school psychologist is certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to provide specialized services to school children. Every school psychologist must have at least a Master's degree and 30 additional graduate credits (including an extensive internship) in school psychology. To be permanently certified, she or he must also show competence over three years of supervised work. Many school psychologists have also earned a doctorate in school psychology.
School psychologists receive special training in child development, learning processes, emotional and behavioral adjustment, and psychological and instructional testing. School administrators, principals and teachers rely on school psychologists when planning educational decisions about school children.
A school psychologist works in various ways to enhance your child's school experience. The psychologist may work with children from preschool through age 21 and may:
- Work with the Response To Intervention and Instruction (RTII) which provides special support in the regular classroom to children who have not profited from the regular education program.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of special techniques and materials used by the teacher.
- Identify children who might need special education attention.
- Help develop an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for children who receive special education services.
- Conduct assessments with students who might need gifted education services.
- Participate in student assistance programs to help children who might have drug-related or emotional problems.
- Counsel students and parents regarding learning and behavior problems.
School psychologists consult with counselors, administrators and others about our child's learning and adjustment. Most importantly, the school psychologist will consult with you, as the child's parents and his or her teachers to understand your child's needs.
The school psychologist develops recommendations for your child's education by talking with you, your child and your child's teachers; observing your child in the classroom; administering standardized psychological tests; assessing the way your child is benefiting from the current school curriculum; and gathering reports (if any) from other professionals. This information is shared with you and the other members of the evaluation team (such as the teacher, school administrator and counselor). Otherwise, these records are confidential and will not be shared with anyone without your permission. Together, the team tailors an educational program that is appropriate for your child. A report of the team's conclusions and recommendations is also made available to you.
HASD SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Dr. Janice Decker - Office Location: Harrold Middle School
Phone: 724-850-2456
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Decker's building assignments include: West Point Elementary, Fort Allen Elementary, Harrold Middle School
Dr. Ryan Lenz - Office Location: West Hempfield Middle School
Phone: 724-850-2178
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Lenz's building assignments include: West Hempfield Elementary, West Hempfield Middle, Stanwood Elementary
Mrs. Lisa Holtzman - Office Location: Hempfield Area High School
Phone: 724-850-2453
Email: [email protected]
Mrs. Holtzman's building assignments include: Maxwell Elementary, Wendover Middle School, Hempfield Area High School