This National School Psychologist Week, we take a moment to celebrate the critical role public school psychologists play in our educational system. These dedicated professionals are key partners with educators, administrators, and families, providing essential support for the academic and social-emotional needs of students, especially as our students navigate a post-pandemic environment. In Murray, we are fortunate to have licensed psychologists Shelly Gearheart and Blaire Buteau who actively seek the well-being and success of our students across elementary and secondary schools.

Core Responsibilities and Contemporary Impact

The work of a school psychologist is multi-faceted and crucial. One of their primary and enduring responsibilities is to conduct assessments and evaluations of students to identify specific challenges and areas of need. With the permission of a student’s family, they use a variety of tools and techniques to evaluate cognitive, academic, and social-emotional functioning. From that data, they provide recommendations for tailored interventions and accommodations to support student learning and development.

In addition, Shelly and Blaire provide counseling and therapeutic services to students who are experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. They work with students individually and in groups to address issues such as anxiety, depression, bullying, and substance abuse, offering support and guidance to help students navigate these challenges. Their expertise is needed now more than ever: studies show that the demand for student mental health support has dramatically increased, with nearly 70% of public schools reporting an increase in students seeking mental health services since the start of the pandemic.

Evolving to Meet New Needs: Proactive and System-Wide Support

Beyond their direct work with students, Shelly and Blaire are leaders in system-level consultation. They collaborate with educators and families to create positive and supportive learning environments. This includes consultation and training with teachers and staff on topics such as effective classroom management, positive behavior support, and social-emotional learning. They also work with families to provide resources and support that help them promote their child’s academic and social-emotional development.

As the educational landscape evolves, our school psychologists also play a key role in contemporary challenges:

• Trauma-Informed Practices: Training staff to understand how trauma affects learning and behavior, creating a more compassionate and responsive school environment.

• Preventative Tiered Support: Moving beyond crisis intervention by implementing comprehensive, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to proactively address academic and behavioral needs before they escalate.

• Digital Well-being: Guiding students and families on the healthy use of technology and navigating issues related to social media and screen time, which are increasingly impacting adolescent mental health.

We are incredibly proud of the comprehensive and essential work Shelly and Blaire do for Murray students. If you have questions or would like to explore support for your child, you can contact Shelly Gearheart at (801) 264-7400 x5252 and Blaire Buteau at (801) 264-7442 ex 7172.