Oregon School Psychologists Association

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT NASP

by Peggy Berglund, NASP Delegate

December, 2007

Dear NASP Members,
I am pleased to share the latest updates on NASP member benefits with you.

The fall issue of ‘School Psychology Forum: Research In Practice’ is available at www.nasponline.org/publications/spf/index.aspx and has a positive psychology theme. This issue features articles on gratitude, the importance of strength-based assessment, the link between positive psychology and school-wide positive behavior support, and promoting strengths among culturally diverse youth in schools.

The latest issue of School Psychology Review: Practice and Policy Connections, is available at www.nasponline.org/publications/spr/sprsupplemental.aspx. The summary titled, ‘Study Indicates Importance of Social Support in Helping Children Cope With Bullying’ focuses on the practical implications of the research presented in a recent SPR article, ‘Social Support as a Moderator Between Victimization and Internalizing-Externalizing Distress From Bullying.’

NASP is offering a new Convention Schedule Planning Tool at www.nasponline.org/conventions/conventionplanner.aspx to help you make the most of your convention experience. This new feature allows you to search for the topics of greatest interest and create a printable, personalized planner. If you haven’t registered for the convention yet, you can use this new feature to explore offerings and see why this is a can’t-miss opportunity. Keep in mind that the early registration discount ends on Monday, January 7, so don’t delay.

Visit www.nasponline.org/about_nasp/childfund.aspx to find out about the Children’s Fund grants available exclusively to NASP members. TinyGrants offer $150 -$500 to help meet children’s basic or mental health needs, while Service Project Support Grants provide up to $2,500 for service projects that directly benefit children.

The NASP holiday e-card is available and provides you an easy way to send greetings to your colleagues this holiday season. To access this and other NASP e-cards, visit www.nasponline.org/membership/ecards/createecard_holiday.aspx.

I wish you and your family a happy holiday season and look forward to being in touch with you again in the new year.

Sincerely,

Peggy Berglund
OR Delegate

Upcoming Workshop: Response to Intervention – System Change and Service Delivery, February 28, 2008, Greater Tacoma convention and Trade Center, 1500 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402. Features Dr. Matthew Burns, Ph.D. (Associate Professor of Educational Psychology and the Program Coorddinator of the School Psychology Program at the University of Minnesota), and Ms. Amber Roderick-Landward, M.Ed. (Educational Specialist for the Utah State Educational Agency that provides professional development to Utah Schools). Fee is $199 for 7 hours of continuing professional development; groups of 5 or more may attend for $179 each. Even better – mention OSPA membership when your register and get a $20 discount! Click here for more information about the workshop. Be sure to say “thanks” to the sponsor, National CEU when you get a chance!

The Fall 2007 Fall Conference, held at Seaside, was a  big success. Almost 150 people attended some great presentations, ate some good food, re-connected with old friends, visited vendor booths, and wrote letters to comment on the APA model licensure language. A LOT of work was done be a relatively small group of people to pull off this event! Many thanks to the OSPA leadership and volunteers for making this a great conference!

NASP 2008 ANNUAL CONVENTION
“Resilience: Building Strength for Life”
New Orleans LA
February 6–9, 2008
www.nasponline.org/conventions

Expand your knowledge, improve your skills, connect with colleagues, and contribute to
the recovery of a vibrant and indomitable city. Come a little early and enjoy Mardi Gras.
Join NASP and New Orleans in bringing resilience to life …

The NASP 2008 convention will be hosted by the Marriott and Sheraton hotels, which are directly across from each other on Canal Street at the edge of the French Quarter. The exhibit hall, registration, special sessions, most reviewed presentations, and certain special events will be held at the New Orleans Marriott. The keynote addresses, featured sessions, NASP convention workshops, certain reviewed presentations and special events, meetings, and the Career Service will be held at the Sheraton New Orleans.

NASP convention registration and housing open on Tuesday, September 18, 2007. The convention registration fee includes admission to the keynote address, featured and special, more than 900 reviewed presentations (mini-skills, papers, posters, and symposia), and the exhibit hall. Additional fees are required for all paid workshops and certain special events.

CONVENTION REGISTRATION
To register, visit www.nasponline.org/conventions

Big Easy Special (Full Registration, including CD-ROM; not including paid workshops)
Member    Nonmember    Student
Through January 7, 2008    $290        $465        $175

Full Registration (not including CD-ROM or NASP Convention workshops)
Member    Nonmember    Student
Through January 7, 2008    $190        $365        $75

Workshop Registration (rates apply with full registration only)
Member    Nonmember
Half-Day            $75        $110
Full-Day            $99        $169
APT & Two-Day        $149        $199

HOTEL RESERVATIONS (Single/Double Rate: $150*/night)
For reservations, visit www.nasponline.org/conventions or call your hotel. Please note that rooms at the Marriott and Sheraton are going very quickly.  Please check the NASP website for updates and additional information.

New Orleans Marriott        (800) 654-3990 or (800) 228-9290
Sheraton New Orleans     (888) 627-7033

*Current taxes are 13% plus $3.00 hotel occupancy fee per room per night.

NASP MEMBERSHIP
NASP Members Save on Convention Registration Fees—Join NASP Today and Reap the Rewards!
In addition to a host of other benefits throughout the year, NASP members receive substantial discounts on convention registration fees. Join through 2009 and save on two NASP conventions. To learn more about becoming a NASP member, visit www.nasponline.org/membership or call (866) 331-6277 or (301) 657-0270.

To register for the convention, call (800) 811-5947 or visit www.nasponline.org/conventions.

At the September 2006 Board meeting, OSPA leaders decided to add a “web log” (or “blog”) to the list of electronic publishing services offered. Here it is!

Blogs typically contain news, musings, announcements, ramblings, and what-have-you. As time goes by, I suspect OSPA members will find many creative uses for this blog.

Have fun – and as my grandmother used to say, “Keep your words sweet because some day you may need to eat them!”