Laramie County School District #1 psychologists outline roles supporting students’ academic and social-emotional needs

A group of school psychologists and the district’s Special Education Coordinator introduced their roles and assignments at a Laramie County School District #1 meeting, describing how they assess students, support eligibility for special education under IDEA, provide counseling and consult with teachers and families.

"I get to help students in a variety of different ways, which is, which is pretty cool," said Howard Wakkinen, a school psychologist assigned to East High School who also assists at Lebhardt Elementary. Wakkinen said his work includes assessment and evaluation to determine whether students meet Wyoming Department of Education and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act eligibility criteria.

"School psychologists are so important because they do a lot of the work behind the scenes," said Grant Dampier, who said he has been with the district for 11 years. Dampier described school psychologists’ role in creating individualized plans and in addressing social, emotional, behavioral and academic needs.

Jackie Grimes, who identified herself as the district’s Special Education Coordinator and a school psychologist, said part of her role is supporting school psychologists’ evaluation work and aligning services across the district. "Part of my role is to help work with our school psychologists across the district in their evaluation work, their work with students, and aligning services across the board," she said.

Other speakers named school assignments and emphasized continuity of services: Carrie Richard said she supports eligibility and identification at Davis, Dildine and Buffalo Ridge; Ryan Pachecki listed assignments at Art, Gilchrist and Jessup elementaries; Liz Yarbrough said she works at Hobbs Elementary and East High School; Dawn Rentz at Central and Triumph high schools; Kelly Leffler at Cole, Atherbaugh and Deming elementaries; Shawn Miley at Middle Art Elementary and Altobust Avenue School; Sarah Perkins at Johnson Junior High; Bridal Crocker at Pioneer Park, Freedom, Clossett and Willitson elementaries; Jasmine Davenport at Coyote Ridge and Gowans elementaries; and Josh Fryans as a field psychologist at South High School.

Speakers repeatedly framed students as the primary clients and described cross-team collaboration with parents, teachers and administrators to support student success both in school and after graduation. The remarks focused on services, professional training in social-emotional assessment, and the value of longitudinal contact with students.

No motions or votes were recorded during the introductions and remarks.