Bill Text: NJ AJR140 | 2024-2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates second full week in November of each year as "School Psychology Awareness Week."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2024-02-12 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee [AJR140 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2024-AJR140-Introduced.html
No. 140
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
221st LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 12, 2024
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman CAROL A. MURPHY
District 7 (Burlington)
SYNOPSIS
Designates second full week in November of each year as "School Psychology Awareness Week."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating the second full week in November of each year as "School Psychology Awareness Week."
Whereas, Mental health is a key component in the academic, emotional, and social success of children and youth across New Jersey; and
Whereas, Students can suffer from a range of developmental or interpersonal problems that negatively impact their ability to perform in school and lead to reduced opportunities later in life; and
Whereas, Many children and youth are exposed to adverse social conditions that threaten healthy development in their schools and communities such as exposure to violence, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse; and
Whereas, Schools can more effectively ensure that all students are able to learn by providing an integrated, comprehensive approach to students' growth and development; and
Whereas, School psychology has evolved as a specialty area of professional psychology with core knowledge in children, youth, families, and the educational process; and
Whereas, Sound psychological principles are integral to instruction and learning, school safety, social and emotional development, early intervention efforts, and support of culturally diverse student populations; and
Whereas, School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school staff who apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, behaviorally, and emotionally; and
Whereas, School psychologists partner with families, teachers, and school administrators to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community; and
Whereas, Schools across New Jersey can give their students the best chance to succeed by providing a comprehensive approach to student support that includes the student's mental health; and
Whereas, It is important to recognize and appreciate the services that school psychologists across the State provide to improve the future of students; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The second full week in November of each year shall be designated as "School Psychology Awareness Week."
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing "School Psychology Awareness Week" and call upon public officials, private organizations and all citizens of the State to observe this day each year with appropriate events and activities.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates the second full week in November of each year as "School Psychology Awareness Week."
The State of New Jersey has long been recognized as a national leader in education for the quality of its educational system. An important component of a comprehensive education is attention to mental health. Students today face many challenges to their mental, emotional, and social well-being that can impact their academic performance. Ensuring students have access to mental health resources is critical for New Jersey and its future.
School psychologists have an important role in the education system by providing the mental health support that students need to succeed. They have rigorous professional standards with a commitment to the health of students and their families. Children cannot learn if they do not feel physically and psychologically safe, and school psychologists are in a unique position to provide support to students. It is important to recognize and promote the vital work being done for New Jersey students by school psychologists. Their continued efforts will help to ensure a stronger future for the education of children and youths across the State.
