Hi! I'm Dr. Hays, the school psychologist for GCMS schools. This is my 14th year working as a school psychologist and my 4th year at GCMS. You can watch my video to learn more about me. I'm so happy to be here, and I look forward to an awesome school year with you!!!
(217) 784-4278 ext. 1022
FAQ:
Who are school psychologists?
School psychologists are professionals with expertise in learning, behavior, mental health, and school systems.
Sometimes, school psychologists work directly with students. Other times, school psychologists help teachers, administrators, families, and community agencies to work more effectively with students through consultation.
School psychologists support equity and inclusion for diverse student populations.
What are some issues that school psychologists help with?
Mental health awareness and promotion
Managing anger, anxiety, or depression
Learning problems
Difficulty with attention, work completion, or organization
Problems with peers (isolation, bullying)
Self-injury and suicide
Coping with crisis and trauma in society (war, riots, prejudice, poverty)
Coping with crisis and trauma in the community (homelessness, gangs, school violence, natural disasters)
Coping with crisis and trauma in the home (divorce, death, abuse and domestic violence, military deployment, substance use)
What are some things that I do at GCMS?
Using blocks and puzzles to see how a third grader learns best
Teaching a lesson about feelings in a kindergarten class
Teaching coping skills to a sixth grader who gets test anxiety
Taking a walk with a tenth grader who got frustrated in class
Reviewing FastBridge scores with the eighth grade team
Making a sticker chart for a first grader who keeps blurting out
Teaching organizational skills to a small group of fifth graders
Talking with a parent about ADHD signs and symptoms