Welcome to a brand new school year! As I step into the role of SANDCASP President, I am deeply honored to serve this vibrant community of dedicated professionals. Whether you are returning to familiar hallways or starting your very first year as a school psychologist, I hope you had a chance to rest, recharge, and reconnect with what brings you joy over the summer break.
As we begin a new year, I would like to first extend my heartfelt gratitude to the 2025-2026 SANDCASP board members. Their tireless leadership behind the scenes provided multiple occasions for us to learn and connect with each other last year. I am thrilled to share that many of them will continue to serve on the board this year. Thanks to their dedication and planning, SANDCASP already has a robust lineup of opportunities designed to support both your practice and your well-being. Please visit our website to get to know them better. While you are there, don’t forget to renew your membership!
As school psychologists, our days are filled with such a wide array of activities supporting others, including evaluating student needs, navigating crisis situations, holding space for parents, and advocating tirelessly for equity and inclusion. To effectively advocate for our students’ well-being and success, we must first prioritize our own. Self-care and professional connection aren’t luxuries or afterthoughts in our field, they are essential tools for sustainability. When we feel supported, connected, and valued, we bring our best selves to the students, families, and schools that rely on us. SANDCASP is committed to being your anchor and your partner in that effort. Aligned with our core mission, our focus for the upcoming year centers around the following priorities:
Promoting Meaningful Professional Growth: Planning and connecting you to relevant, affordable, and easily accessible professional development rooted in best practices, social justice, and inclusion, giving you the tools to feel confident and effective in your daily practice. Here are a few upcoming opportunities in this area:
- Legal Update on August 28th (9a-12:15p): SANDCASP is excited to welcome back Mr. Josh Walden, J.D., from Lozano Smith. This virtual session will cover key recent cases from OAH and the courts, explaining their impact on school psychologists/LEPs. Register at www.sandcasp.com/legal_update_2026
NOTE: This workshop is FREE if you are a current SANDCASP member. So, please join/renew ASAP at https://sandcasp.com/26-27-member-reg/ if you haven't already! In addition, CEUs are available for an additional fee of $30.
- School Suicide Intervention & Risk Screening on September 18th (9a-4p): We are thrilled to host Dr. Stephen Brock, author of PREPaRE, for this full day in-person workshop. Register here: https://sandcasp.wildapricot.org/event-6802832
- CASP CONVENTION: CASP’s annual convention will take place October 13–16, 2026, at the Hilton Universal City. This is an excellent opportunity to join CASP: California Association of School Psychologists for engaging sessions, nationally recognized speakers, special events, and an exhibit hall full of the latest tools and resources. Note: Early bird pricing ends 8/31!
A Strong Professional Network: Creating intentional spaces for connection, consultation, and camaraderie so that no school psychologist in San Diego feels like they are working alone. We started off the year strong with our kick-off event on August 20th at Bali Hai. Continue to stay connected by joining our monthly Psych to Psych consults, celebrating National School Psychology Week 2026 (November 9-13) with us at our annual NSPW gathering, or attending one of our other social events.
Advocacy and Recognition: Lifting up our profession, championing your voice at local and state levels alongside CASP, and celebrating the extraordinary excellence happening in our field every day. Please visit our website to learn more about our participation in CASP Legislative Days and to celebrate our recent SANDCASP award winners.
You do extraordinary work, often behind the scenes and under challenging circumstances. Please remember that you don't have to carry it all alone. Lean on this community, attend a workshop, join us for a networking event, or simply reach out to a colleague. We would also love to benefit from your expertise, so let us know if you are interested in volunteering when you complete your membership registration.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the children and school communities you serve. I am looking forward to an inspiring, supportive, and impactful year ahead alongside each of you.
With deep appreciation and warm regards,
Megan Storey Hallam
2026-2027 SANDCASP President