PSI Spotlight: Empowering Student Voice at OCALICON 2025
This November, PSI’s own Katie Rathers, Occupational Therapist, co-presented at the 2025 OCALICON Conference, leading a session titled “Charting the LifeCourse: Person-Centered Portfolio for Exploring in Educational Settings.” The session focused on helping educators strengthen IEP development by centering student voice, preferences, and long-term vision. The impact was clear. With 35 evaluations submitted, participants rated […]
Pets In the Classroom
Transform Classrooms.Inspire Compassion.One Pet at a Time. Some classroom breakthroughs start with a wagging tail. PSI is proud to support Pets in the Classroom and their mission to bring hands-on learning into schools nationwide. Through our support of Dogs in the Classroom, therapy dog visits help students build confidence, reduce anxiety, and re-engage with learning. […]
Throwback Threats – Measles and Pertussis
Measles and Pertussis Are Making a Comeback In 2000, the United States declared measles eradicated, meaning this infectious disease had been nearly eliminated in our country. Much of this success was due to comprehensive vaccination programs. Because measles is highly transmissible through casual contact, the threshold for “herd immunity” — the critical percentage of immune […]
Changes to the Childhood Vaccine Schedule
A Quick Overview of the Latest Changes. The Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) recently rolled out some major changes to the established childhood vaccine schedule. Six of the 17 recommended vaccines were moved from a mandatory status to one of “shared clinical decision-making.” These include Hepatitis A and B, Rotavirus, Tetravalent Meningococcal, and […]
The New Food Pyramid
What’s New in the Updated Food Pyramid New US Dietary guidelines were released last week from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Below, the illustration of the “old” food pyramid, in use from 2005-2011, encouraged a base of grains, equal parts fruits and vegetables, smaller portions of dairy and proteins (including meat, poultry, […]
Energy Drinks and Kids
Experts at major health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree: ENERGY DRINKS ARE BAD FOR KIDS. Brand names like Red Bull, Monster Energy, Bang, Rockstar, and 5-Hour Energy are the market leaders in this realm. While all of these companies claim to offer […]
The Truth Behind the Hepatitus-B Vaccine
The ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices), a branch of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), recently changed its recommendation for universal administration of the Hepatitis-B vaccine to newborn infants before they leave the hospital. Let’s unpack this recommendation and its consequences. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) continues to recommend routine delivery […]
2025 By the Numbers
2025 by the Numbers: A Year That Shaped Our World As 2025 comes to a close, it’s clear that this year was marked by moments that captured global attention, sparked conversation, and reminded us just how quickly the world can change. From historic milestones and cultural moments to headlines that made us pause and reflect, […]
Tylenol and Autism: What are the Facts?
Tylenol and Autism: What are the Facts? In September, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the government agency tasked with safeguarding public health research and health-related social services for Americans, advised caution regarding the use of Acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) during pregnancy. The claim is that studies have shown a connection between Tylenol […]
Less Screen Time, More Green Time with Dr. Scott Poland
How PSI and Dr. Scott Poland are Partnering to Strengthen School Safety and Student Well-Being Across the country, schools face growing challenges around student mental health, digital overload, and crisis response. From social media’s impact on anxiety to the increasing need for prevention-focused programs, educators are searching for real, evidence-based support. That is where PSI […]