School Psychologist

Jennie Katz, MEd.
PA Certified School Psychologist
Aronimink Elementary School T-W-Th
(610) 853-4510 x7281

jkatz@upperdarbysd.org

Jennie Katz, MEd. is a school psychologist trained at Harvard University and Bryn Mawr College.  The role of the school psychologist includes providing direct support and interventions to students, consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies, work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies, and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services. School pyschologists help schools successfully:

Improve Academic Achievement

Promote student motivation and engagement
Conduct psychological and academic assessments
Individualize instruction and interventions
Monitor student progress
Collect and interpret student and classroom data
Reduce inappropriate referrals to special education

Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health

Assess student emotional and behavioral needs
Reinforce positive coping skills and resilience
Promote positive peer relationships and social problem solving
Make referrals to and help coordinate community services provided in schools

Support Diverse Learners

 
Assess diverse learning needs
Provide culturally responsive services to students and families from diverse backgrounds
Plan appropriate Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities
Monitor and effectively communicate with parents about student progress

Create Safe, Positive School Climates

 
Prevent bullying and other forms of violence
Support social-emotional learning
Assess school climate and improve school connectedness
Implement and promote positive discipline and restorative justice
Implement school-wide positive behavioral supports
Identify at risk students and school vulnerabilities
Provide crisis prevention and intervention services

Strengthen Family-School Partnerships

Help families understand their child's learning and mental health needs
Assist in navigating special education processes
Connect families with community service providers when necessary
Help effectively engage families with teachers and other school staff
Enhance staff understanding and responsiveness to diverse cultures and backgrounds
Help students transition between school and community learning environments, such as residential treatment or juvenile justice programs

Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability Monitor individual student progress in academics and behavior

 
Generate and interpret useful student and school outcome data
Collect and analyze data on risk and protective factors related to student outcomes
Plan services at the district, building, classroom, and individual levels