10.17.25 - Community Newsletter
Being a kid these days can be challenging. Helping students navigate the journey from kindergarten to high school requires contributions from numerous people, including teachers, parents, coaches, and school counselors.
When a student could use extra support, we’re fortunate that the Brunswick School Department staff includes three school psychologists who join forces with experts from other areas to ensure every student has the best access to education.
School psychologists are trained in both psychology—the study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior — and education. The list of contributions of school psychologists is long and vital to the success of many students.
According to the National Association of School Psychologists, these uniquely-qualified professionals “support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.”
“Our specialty is really in supporting students with identified or suspected disabilities, and conducting an evaluation or formal assessment to help clarify what their special needs may be,” says Rebecca Gleason, PsyD, one of three school psychologists on staff in Brunswick.
The assessment then helps determine whether that student is eligible for special education (according to state and federal guidelines), and also helps guide the programming for the student in a more individualized way, “capitalizing on strengths and working on needs,” according to Dr. Gleason.
Dr. Gleason is quick to point out that she works as part of a larger team, which often includes parents, teachers, and several other professionals, such as staff from our special education department, speech-language therapists, nurses, occupational therapists, and more.
Every student is special and unique, and those who qualify receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP) -- a plan that is truly individualized for the student. For example, two students managing anxiety could likely find themselves on paths that differ, but are very appropriate for their individual needs.
School psychologists utilize a multi-tiered system of support, which also aids students who don’t qualify or may not need a full IEP. Some students can benefit from small accommodations in their classroom, such as a movement break at the beginning of class, a little extra time to complete an assignment, or more frequent check-ins with their teacher.
On the other hand, there are students who may be best served at a day treatment school, which offers targeted, specific supports and services (but the goal is always to ensure all students receive their education in the least restrictive educational environment.
The definition of special education has expanded over the years, and now supports students covering a wider range of diagnoses, including depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and developmental disabilities. Our goal is for all students to have equitable access to education in an inclusive environment.
With our school psychologists, Dr. Gleason, Robert Baskett, PhD, and Summer Paradis, MA, students in the Brunswick School Department have someone providing valuable guidance along the journey.
Parent/Family Conferences will be held in all schools between 10/27/25 and 11/10/25.
Each school has a slightly different schedule to facilitate parents/families being able to attend conferences at multiple schools. Each school will be sending information and invitations in the coming weeks.
Come decorate a pumpkin!
Saturday, October 18th - slots at 10 am andd 11 am.
$10 residents/$13 non residents.
Register online and have your design approved - www.brunswickme.gov/parks-recreation or call 207-725-6656.
Kym Shoemaker
Resource Ed Tech
KFS
Kym's family includes her husband Matt, three sons, Gabriel, Michael and Nathaniel, a cat named Brainstorm, a gecko named Pineapple and 5 unnamed fish. Kym grew up in Webster, NY where she attended Webster High School and went on to State University of New York at Geneseo.
What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud
I love that the staff is so supportive and friendly!
What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
I love to sew, read, hike and go for walks.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
Fredrick Backman
Favorite line from a movie?
“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”
What is something you learned in the last week?
That F1 racing is shockingly technical and scientific.
Open Employment Positions:
- BHS Alpine Ski Coach
- BHS Indoor Coed Track Assistant Coach
- Resource Educational Technician - Kate Furbish School
- Self Contained Behavior Educational Technician - Brunswick Junior High School
- Long Term Sub Educational Technician - Brunswick Junior High School
- Long Term Sub Educational Technician - Kate Furbish School
- Long Term Sub Educational Technician - Harriet Beecher Stowe School
- Substitute Nurses, Teachers, Ed Techs, Tutors
- Resource Educational Technician - Kate Furbish School
- School Bus Drivers!!
- Apprentice/Ed Tech I & Bus Aides
- Substitute Bus Drivers, Van Drivers, & Custodians
- ...And MORE!
We're hiring for multiple positions. Visit our website to view
all current employment opportunities!
You can view previous newsletters on our website!
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