As the new school year 2017-2018 began, Taji headed to 2nd grade (Mrs. Long) and Jax to Kindergarten (Mrs. Russell). Here's hoping for a better school year than last... Taji was still very hung up on the strict demeanor of his previous 1st grade teacher and very anxious to begin school. I was keeping my fingers crossed for more easy going teachers and more outdoor recess!
Mama also returned to her school year 2017-2018 at Pine Valley Central School, continuing as their School Psychologist for the year. I was prepared and excited to return to my office at school and resume assessments and all that my role entailed. The new school year brought me new challenges as I completed yet another FBA, many initial and re-evaluations of students, CSE (IEP) meetings, and coordinating all SST meetings at both the elementary school and middle/ high school. Learning so much along the way, and becoming a better tester, report writer, and counselor. I found nice friends within the cohort of counselors and social workers, and despite the grueling school and union politics and turnover, I kept on fulfilling my obligations and expanding my role so I could beef up my resume and gaining expertise for future school psychologist positions.
after rearranging office furniture at my school, that is my desk right back there. The positives in working for this school district is that I had an office with an actual large window, so I would get natural light and sunlight throughout the day. It also had its own kitchenette with sink and microwave. I brought in my own Keurig coffee machine and it became very convenient for me to make and eat my breakfasts upon arriving at my office at the crack of dawn (7:40ish). Having these simple office comforts, close proximity to the faculty restroom, being able to heat up my own lunches and make lovely chai lattes while writing reports and testing using the surplus of testing kits and technology (new Windows chrome book!) made up for the dreadful commute through rural forms and beat-up roads, nasty icy winter conditions, and the toxic negative climate of the school due to mediation and tension between teachers and administration. That about sums up my WNY stint in my school psychologist career!
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