President's Message

On the 5th of July, I walked into Target and was met with a full “back-to-school” section.  Dear Reader, I was not ready!  This time of year can bring a lot of emotions.  Along with anxiety and excitement, there’s also likely a bit of wishing summer could last just a bit longer.

Growing up and living in Wisconsin, I have been lucky to always get to really experience all four seasons.  The skiing and snowball fights in winter, the first early blooms and wet sports fields in spring, the lazy days and water fun of summer.  Still, there’s always been something special about fall.  Warm days and cool nights, beautiful changing leaves, and the anticipation of things to come.  As a kid, I looked forward to back-to-school shopping and seeing my friends (plus my upcoming birthday!)  Now, I especially look forward to the routine of a schedule, the upcoming football season, and all the anticipation of what a new school year can bring.  (My birthday is also still an upcoming highlight)

Over the summer, the WSPA board has been working hard to prepare for the upcoming year.  We are so excited to continue the work of the past as well as move us forward toward new and updated goals.  At this year’s Long Range Planning, it was so amazing to be in a group of such thoughtful, inspired people working toward supporting school psychologists and students around the state!  Keep watch for ongoing and even more member benefits including regular updates from WSPA Wednesdays, the return of short bursts of learning from WSPA Workshops, and new supports in the form of upcoming WSPA Warm-ups.  Regional Representatives and committee chairs continue to demonstrate new and exciting ideas across the state.  If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, now is a great time!  Committees are looking for passionate, insightful people like YOU.  Involvement can be as small as creating a visual post for WSPA Wednesday or as large as helping to plan a convention.  Reach out today and see where your passions can lead you.

Joining the board was one of the best choices I made as a new school psychologist.  (To be fair, past president Katie Johnson was my first practicum supervisor, and as I often repeat…I do whatever Katie tells me).  I came to school psychology later after teaching for about 10 years.  Deciding to join and be active on the board brought me a whole group of supports, perspectives, mentors, and friends.  I can use my experiences and those of the people around me to advocate for our role, as well as for the teachers, staff, and students we work with every day.  Plus, I’ve made some great friends and had a lot of fun!

Our next major endeavor will be the fall conference.  I’m so excited to bring this year’s conference back to my hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  This year, we will be at The Lismore Hotel in the beautiful downtown area, right by the confluence of two major rivers.  Our convention committee has been hard at work curating an amazing list of speakers, including the spotlight speaker, Dr. Todd Savage.  Along with that, the convention committee and regional reps will be leading many opportunities for fun and collaboration (Arcade bar?  Yoga classes?  Handcrafted ice cream shop AND two local coffee shops within walking distance?)  I hope you’ll join us for an amazing few days together.  Be sure to also check out the next few conferences already scheduled!  

As we dive into the wonder and chaos of a new school year, I wish you joy, curiosity, and plenty of ah-ha moments.  And maybe a dash of never being asked to test a student “just in case”.  I look forward to WSPA being with you every step of the way.  Finally, I encourage you to join us in whatever way serves you and your community.

Now, time for that back-to-school shopping!

Emily Prissel, EdS, NCSP

WSPA President

WSPApresident@gmail.com