In Honor of Sister Bernadette…..

2016-06-14_12-48-26We meet only a few very special people in our journey through life. I met such a lady close to 40 years ago when PSI was in its infancy. Sister M. Bernadette Maier, OSU, is perhaps the most remarkable woman I have met in my four decades of work with educators in Ohio. Certainly schools, and in particular the Catholic Schools, are full of wonderful people who are dedicated to their mission and give their all for the schools and the furtherance of Catholicity.

Sr. Bernadette did all that. In addition, she saw opportunity where there were obstacles, dreams where there were ‘roadblocks’ and strategies where there were almost insurmountable challenges. The non-public schools throughout Ohio but especially in the Cleveland Diocese, live her legacy every day when children benefit from services paid for by auxiliary services funds. These services didn’t just come to be by fiat. They were achieved by dint of hard work, vision, politics and endless blood, sweat and tears. Her stories and accomplishments are as voluminous as they are a study in political triumph.

She became dear to us over the years as we all strove to expand the services she wanted for ‘her kids.’ She was one of a kind, full of the vim and vigor that all movers and shakers have, changing the systems in which we live. She will live on in our hearts as an ideal to which we all should aspire, a tireless supporter of PSI and a dear, dear friend.

God Bless you Sr. Bernadette.

 

– Steve Rosenberg, President of PSI

Mandarin Language News


PSI’s Hui-ying Lee
proudly presented her students at the National Chinese Honor Society induction ceremony at Walsh Jesuit High School in April. There were eight inductees this year and they are all Chinese 3 juniors.
The National Chinese Honor Society (NCHS) was established in November 1993 to recognize those accomplished high school students who study Chinese as a world language.
The National Chinese Honor Society is a scholastic organization that promotes and recognizes students with good citizenship, leadership, and deeds of community service.Mandarin Language Services

The National Chinese Honor Society’s goal is to encourage its members to become life-long learners to gain a better understanding of Chinese language and culture, and to play an active role as constructive peace-makers in the twenty-first century. The applicant must be a full time high school student who has studied Chinese fo four semesters in high school with an average of A- or higher. A qualified candidate is someone who is willing to work with the sponsor/advisor as well as with other students as a role model to play a positive role in Chinese studies. Hui-ying has continued to develop the Mandarin Language program at Walsh over several years and her efforts are producing some exemplary students. Congratulations to all!

PSI Presented at a Conference in Amsterdam on Suicide Prevention

PSI is proud to announce that Dr. Colleen Lorber, PSI Executive Director of Client Services and PSI partner, Dr. Scott Poland, presented at the International School Psych Association in Amsterdam, Holland this summer on suicide prevention.

Dr. Lorber holds a doctorate from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Her dedication to staff, professionalism and her high energy level serves the schools we partner with, extremely well. “I most enjoy helping to find and support the best possible staff to meet the many needs of the students we serve. PSI is all about providing the very best and innovative services possible to help our partner schools and their students succeed.”

Dr. Poland is a nationally recognized expert on school crisis, youth violence and suicide prevention.

Their combined presentation will focus on suicide prevention and the children served everyday by the educational community.

PSI hosted a free webinar on “Mindfulness in the School Setting”

Our own Karen Heichel, MA  presented a free webinar entitled “Practicing Mindfulness in your School”.  This is a new and very exciting topic.  This free webinar was held on December 2nd from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST. but you can watch it now in our webinar library.

Mindfulness is being used for reducing stress, increasing attention, building attitudes of compassion and kindness that lead to more productive learning environment for students and a more collaborative working place for teachers.

Karen will be talking about how studies have shown significance improvement in self-awareness and acceptance by practicing mindfulness for 15 minutes three to four times per week. These activities can be integrated into your existing curriculum.  If this topic sounds interesting to you, click here for a link to the pre-recorded webinar.

A Neurodevelopmental Approach to Autism: with Temple Grandin, Ph.D.

PSI is pleased to share this resource with you for your own use, to share with your colleagues, or to share with the families of the students with whom you work:

We here at S.U.C.C.E.S.S. For Autism 501(c)(3) are proud to inform you that we will be hosting a winter conference this year entitled:
“A Neurodevelopmental Approach to Autism: with Temple Grandin, PhD” 
                                                                   
Thursday Dec. 3 & Friday Dec. 4th 2015
 We are pleased to welcome world-renowned author and animal scientist, Dr.Temple Grandin, to our stage this year as she presents on her experiences as an individual with autism and sensory processing issues. She will be joined by many professionals in the field of autism; you will hear from occupational therapists Lynette Scotese-Wojtila, OTR/L and Ellen Winney, MS OTR/L, speech-language   pathologist Schea Fissel, ABD, MA CCC-SLP, and developmental pediatrician, Dr. Scott Faber.

This two-day conference will be held in the Main Building of the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe, Ohio on Thursday Dec. 3rd (2:15 – 8:15pm) & Friday Dec. 4th (8:00 am – 5:30pm).

This is a unique event you won’t want to miss! See the attached brochure for event details, registration, and continuing education opportunities! Vendor and sponsor opportunities are available for local and/or national agencies and companies who wish she share their product information while supporting this event.

FOR EASY ONLINE REGISTRATION visit www.successforautism.org.

Seats are limited to see Dr. Grandin in this intimate setting; conference registration closes on Monday Nov 23, 2015. Should you have questions or need registration or vendor/sponsorship assistance, please call Erin at 440.943.7607 or email at itcerinb@yahoo.com.

 

PSI’s Dr. Colleen Lorber will be presenting at the Annual Buckeye Charter School Board Conference

Dr. Colleen Lorber, PSI’s Executive Director, will be presenting this Oct. 23 at the Annual Buckeye Charter School Boards Conference. On the program is also Ron Packard, Founder and CEO of Pansophic Learning. Dr Lorber will address the dos and don’ts of special education as it pertains to Charter School operations. Special Education management is a critical component that effective charter schools manage appropriately and professionally. 

The Buckeye Charter School Boards Association helps boards learn to function efficiently and effectively while maximizing student academic and social performance. Learn more about the Buckeye Charter School Board Association at http://www.buckeyecharterboards.org.

PSI will be hosting a free webinar on Media Engagement for Schools

PSI will be hosting a free webinar on Media Engagement & Strategic Communications for Schools on Thursday, October 29th, 2015. This webinar is presented by Darlene Chambers, Ph.D., and Julie Conry of OAPCS.  In this webinar  you will learn the basics of developing a media relations toolkit and communication strategies to promote your school successes and positive stories.

Click Here to register for the webinar.

PSICertify

PSI is proud to announce the opening of our newest division to train school staff in critical areas requiring certification and specialized programming due to state mandates. Trainings are available in face to face format–we come to you! Some topics are available in webinar format as well.newbxPSICertifyLogo2-2

Topics include:

  • Bloodborne Pathogen Training
        Meets the annual requirement for school staff
  • Safety and Violence Prevention Training
        Meets the Ohio Revised Code 3319.073
  • American Heart Association Heartsaver ®
    CPR Training/AED Training
        Can you save a life? Certification Included
  • Anti-Bullying Programs
        Supports Ohio Revised Code 3313.666
  • American Heart Association Heartsaver ®
    First Aid Training
        Crucial Steps for Emergencies; Certification Included
  • Crisis Intervention Team Training
        Supports Ohio Revised Code 3313.536
  • Communicable Disease Awareness and Recognition
        Ohio Department of Job & Family Services–Meets ODE Requirement OAC3301-37-11
  • Staff Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training 
        Meets HB 543 mandates
  • Positive Behavior Interventions and Support, Restraint and Seclusion Training
       Supports OAC 3301-35-15; PBIS Training provided by PSI; Restraint Training & Seclusion Guidelines provided through PSI by Certified   Restraint Training- CRT®
  • Epinephrine Autoinjector Training for School Staff
       Meets training requirement of ORC 3313.7110 & Ohio Substitute HB 296 (for non-patient specific Epinephrine auto injectors)
  • Overview of Ohio HB 264 regarding caring for students with diabetes in the school setting
     Meets training requirement of ORC 3313.713 & Ohio Substitute HB 264
    (Level I, II and III Training as appropriate)

For information on pricing, program descriptors and other available topics please contact karenmckelvey@psi-solutions.org.

Contact hours or certification provided for all PSICertify Training Programs​.

 

Proud PSI Moment at St. John Nottingham

Happy child with painted handsEach year St. John Nottingham dedicates the yearbook to a special person. This gives us an opportunity to recognize the outstanding efforts of those who give unselfishly to our school and our students.

The Faculty and Staff at St. John Nottingham Lutheran School are pleased to dedicate this yearbook to Mrs. Kelly Hickey, our School Psychologist. She works diligently to help our students learn skills to get along with others, practice self-control, become more organized and improve study skills. Mrs. Hickey is so much more than that. She is an exceptional Christian role model for our students who develops positive relationships with our students to help them achieve their God-given talents and abilities.

She conducts before school programs and is always looking for ways to help our students. This year she introduced Mr. Kita to the First Tee of Cleveland Program. First Tee seeks to positively impact the lives of young people from greater Cleveland by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote health choices through the game of golf. The 2nd-6th Graders of St. John Nottingham were exposed to First Tee and the game of golf this year. Mrs. Hickey makes a tremendous impact on our students and the culture of our school. We are blessed to have her on our staff!

From the Yearbook of St. John Nottingham Lutheran School 2014-2015
Yearbook Dedication
Mrs. Kelly Hickey, PSI School Psychologist

Missed the PSI Webinar on Sandy Hook and Making Your School Safer?

No worries!

This free webinar presented by Scott Poland, Ph.D. and Michele Gay, Sandy Hook Parent is now available on the PSI site.  Michele Gay tragically lost her daughter, Josephine, at the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting on December 14, 2012.  Since then Michele has chosen to help school communities improve school safety.  Learn the lessons that her school community learned in the aftermath of this tragedy along with steps to make changes in your own school.  Dr. Scott Poland, Ph.D. is a nationally known school violence expert who has appeared before congress, on national television and worked with numerous schools on these tragic situations.

View now by clicking here.