Message from the President
by Dr. Ethel Kozlik, NAPSA President
“We live in extraordinary times”. One can hardly pick up a newspaper or receive news on the information highway without bombardment of the senses conveying this message. We do live in extraordinary times! Upon reflection of our nation’s historical experiences during the past months, I can only echo the resounding hope that is rising from the people across this great nation of ours.
Change…hope…hard work …essential values. We live in a time of renewal, reframing and rebuilding. The mission of the National Association of Pupil Services Administrators (NAPSA) is surely in sync with that spirit. “NAPSA is the only national organization that focuses its efforts on the development of administrators and programs designed to serve the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of all students.” NAPSA recognizes that the roles and responsibilities of the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) administrators vary among and even within individual states. Regardless of the stated job requirements, individuals in PPS positions require knowledge and current information of many fields including special education, psychology, social work and counseling. We recognize that NAPSA’s time for the purpose of supporting professionals who integrate student support services within a student’s district instructional program, has come. NAPSA continues to be the sole national organization devoted to Pupil Services Administrators.
Under the leadership of Dr.Charles Bell, the NAPSA leadership worked arduously to sustain the work initiated by former presidents and their leadership teams, while moving specifically targeted initiatives forward. The Executive Board and Executive Director remain steadfast in their commitment to increase communication within the membership, strengthen and support our existing members, and add new members to our fold.
NAPSA’s current members represent various states across the nation. The majority of our members are presently located in Midwest and Eastern states. We are excited about our October, 2009 conference which will be held in Nevada. Our hope is to draw into our National Organization, new, renewed members and past attendees from states that have not been recently represented on our rosters.
Please do not miss the opportunity to attend the fall 2009 conference. The topics and speakers are timely and the information invaluable to support the work of current PPS Administrators. Join us in Reno for the announcement of the exciting location for the 2010 conference!