2008 NASP Convention - President's Special Strand

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2008 NASP Convention Special Events

Various special events take place during the NASP convention each year. This year’s special events are listed chronologically below.

Tuesday, February 5

NOLA Nightcap (SE01)

9:00–11:30 p.m.

After a day of Mardi Gras mirth and merriment, wind down with a NASP Nightcap. This casual, informal gathering is an opportunity to unwind after Mardi Gras and connect with friends and colleagues in a more intimate setting. Mix, mingle, and relax! (Cash bar.)

Wednesday, February 6

Welcome Orientation (SE02)

5:00–6:00 p.m.

Designed specifically for new NASP members and first-time convention attendees, the Welcome Orientation is open to all convention attendees and guests. Receive an overview of the convention and learn how to benefit most from your convention attendance. This is the time to ask questions, interact with colleagues, and make new friends.

New Orleans Welcome Party (SE03)

9:00–11:30 p.m.

New Orleans ... the Big Easy! Mardi Gras, great jazz, and awesome Creole food—are you ready? New Orleans is preparing for you, and this year’s welcome party is going to be an especially memorable bash! Our legendary hospitality is on full alert. The evening will be complete with Mardi Gras regalia and some of our homegrown musicians playing great music. Your first night will leave you wanting more of New Orleans. So, bring your smile, stay a while, and laissez les bons temps roulez! (Mardi Gras costumes are encouraged but optional.)

Thursday, February 7

Yoga Class (SE17)

7:00–8:00 a.m.

Start your day by taking care of yourself. Build your personal resilience through a morning yoga practice that will energize your mind and body. Classes are appropriate for all levels of experience, including beginners. We will focus on poses that will prepare you for your day ahead at the convention. Mats will be available, or you can bring your own. Space limited to 15 participants.

Student Convention Kick-Off Breakfast (SE07)

8:00–9:00 a.m.

This complimentary breakfast is available to all students. It provides an opportunity to meet peers and NASP leaders, receive an overview of NASP programs and services targeted to students, learn how to get the most out of the convention experience, and get tips on navigating New Orleans.

Student Town Hall (SE04)

9:00–10:00 a.m.

Join fellow students and NASP staff and leadership to discuss issues and hot topics that relate to graduate students. Learn about current student initiatives and valuable services offered by NASP. Voice your ideas about how to enhance student representation in the association and brainstorm additional services NASP could provide that would benefit students.

NASP Book Group Gathering—Understanding and Managing Children’s Classroom Behavior: Creating Sustainable, Resilient Classrooms (2nd Edition) (SE16)

10:00–11:00 a.m.

Dr. Sam Goldstein and coauthor Dr. Robert Brooks provide a comprehensive approach for understanding, preventing, and treating classroom behavior challenges with an emphasis on the impact of a child’s temperament on personality and behavior. Chapter topics written by recognized experts in the field include strengths and assets, FBAs, student selfregulation, problem-solving approaches to bullies and victims, and medications and their relationship to behavior. Dr. Goldstein is a prolific author who has written 23 informative books, both for professionals and parents.

Everyone is invited to join Dr. Goldstein for an informal discussion about this great resource. Dr. Goldstein’s book will be on sale in the NASP Convention Registration Area, and he will be available to sign books after the book conversation. Members of the New Jersey Association of School Psychologists Professional Book Club will facilitate the discussion.

The Professional in Transition: Getting and Keeping Your First Job as a School Psychologist (SE11)

Sponsored by The Psychological Corporation

3:00–6:00 p.m.

Jeffrey York, NCSP, Robert Kubick, NCSP; Brian Hill, Akron Public Schools

Back by popular demand (and always well attended), this seminar is a comprehensive warm-up for compiling an effective résumé and cover letter, developing a quality portfolio, conducting a powerful interview, and managing your time, stress, and workload. Also included are tips on how to make the best use of the NASP online Career Center. (A $10 registration fee is required.)

International School Psychology Reception (SE12)

4:00–6:00 p.m.

Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend this reception, jointly sponsored with the International School Psychology Association (ISPA), in honor of the school psychologists attending the convention from many countries. Come meet NASP members with an interest in international school psychology and colleagues from other countries. Also learn about ISPA and the 2008 summer colloquium in the Netherlands.

NASP Awards Reception (SE05)

Sponsored by Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to honor this year’s select group of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the profession of school psychology. Enjoy food and refreshments as you help congratulate the award recipients for the 2007 School Psychologist of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Minority Scholarship, Government and Professional Relations, Henkin Scholarship, and Student Research awards. Selected from among our colleagues across the country, these individuals exemplify the best in daily practice, innovation, and advocacy on behalf of school psychologists and the children, families, and schools we serve.

NASP Coffee House (SE15)

9:30–11:30 p.m.

Looking for something to do outside the hustle and bustle of New Orleans partying? Come one, come all to the NASP Coffee House! Enjoy this laid back, cozy space where you can engage in conversation, play board games, listen to live music, and make plans for dinner or other outings later in the week.

Friday, February 8

11th Annual 5K Walk/Run (SE10)

6:00–8:30 a.m.

The 5K Walk/Run is back in New Orleans! Join friends and colleagues for a terrific morning run or walk through Audubon Park to benefit (after expenses) the NASP-Children’s Fund, Inc., New Orleans Community Recovery Project, building a KaBOOM! playground in the Big Easy. See page 70 or visit www.nasponline.org/conventions for details of the project.

Register before January 7 to save on the fee and ensure the availability of a cool T-shirt in the size of your choice (S, M, L, XL, or XXL), by noting your shirt size on your convention registration form. Won’t you join in supporting the community recovery project and bring slides and giggles to the children of this unique and wonderful city? Fee: $20/preregistration; $30/on site.

Yoga Class (SE17)

7:00–8:00 a.m.

Multicultural Meet and Greet (SE09)

8:30–10:30 a.m.

Sponsored by the Multicultural Affairs Committee

Join your convention colleagues in a celebration of diversity at this event. Hear about the Multicultural Affairs Committee’s achievements, network with other members, and recognize our accomplished minority scholarship awardees. Refreshments will be provided, and donations (cash or check) to the Minority Scholarship Program will be gratefully accepted.

26th Annual Past President’s Roast (SE06)

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Come one, come all to this session honoring Bill Pfohl, NASP’s 28th and 37th president (1996–1997 and 2005–2006). Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about the real ups and downs of the NASP presidency and hear Bill “roasted” by his friends and colleagues during this entertaining session emceed by Tom Fagan. A cash bar will be available.

Children’s Fund Auction (SE08)

Saturday, February 9

Yoga Class (SE17)

7:00–8:00 a.m.