Embracing Positive Changes to the New School Year

Change is scary for a lot of people. That's something I learned this past year. Usually, when we encounter 'change' in our personal lives, it's not the 'change' that's scary; it's the unknown that we're really afraid of. Through my many big life experiences in my short life span, I have come to welcome change, or should I say the 'unknown'. Change is good for the soul. And after the year I've had in the schools, I am R E A D Y for some unknown. Some say 'better the devil you know than the devil you don't'... trust me when I say, I would much rather the devil I don't know than the one I dealt with for the last 2 years. If you know, you know 👀. With that being said, let's talk about the new changes I'll be seeing this coming school year!

Introducing New Additions to My Caseload

One of the key highlights for the upcoming school year is the expansion of my caseload. Naturally, with every school year comes new students on my caseload. This year will be a little different as I am adding more schools to my roster, too. As of right now, I will be the SLP for 5 sites. I will continue to be at my main high school, which I am hopeful will be a much better experience this time around. I will also be the SLP for another school's Special Day Class-Intensive program and Educationally-Related Intensive Counseling Services (ERICS) program. I'm also continuing at the Alternative Education school, which has become one of my favorite sites over this past year. Additionally, our district is opening a new Adult Ed classroom for our SDCI students who are between 18-20 years old, and I am SO excited to be the SLP for that classroom! And finally, my fifth site is a private school. Yes, that is very random, but at least I can finally put my private school experiences to good use (shout out Mom & Dad)!

Staffing Changes at the Main Site

Another noteworthy change is the movement of school psychologists throughout the district. That being said, the school psychologist at my main site has been relocated, so we will be gaining a new school psych from a different district. Like I said, change is good for the soul. Change can make us face new challenges, but as long as these 'new challenges' don't include someone breaking into my office and stealing my therapy chairs, I think I'll be just fine 😉. Within the special ed department, the Special Day Class teachers have changed which subjects they are teaching, so that'll be another thing to iron out in August. I usually co-teach a social skills class with one of them, which just depends on my students' schedule and which class aligns best.

Personal Reflection on the Changes Ahead

Reflecting on these upcoming changes, I am filled with a sense of enthusiasm, anticipation, and, honestly, almost a sense of relief. I am relieved knowing that there will be a shift in the toxic work environment I experienced these past two years. I'm excited for the changes and the unknown. The opportunity to welcome new students and work alongside a growing team of passionate educators is truly inspiring. I am confident that these changes will not only benefit our students but also foster a greater sense of community and collaboration within our school.

Looking Forward to an Exciting Year Ahead!

As we gear up for the next school year, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The changes in my caseload and staffing signal a new chapter filled with growth, learning, and opportunities for positive change. I can't wait to embark on this journey with my students and colleagues, and I am confident that together, we will make the upcoming year truly memorable.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of anticipation and excitement for the changes ahead in the next school year. And remember, sometimes better the devil you don't know than the devil you do 😈.