Bloomfield Elementary School Psychologist Jennifer Schroeder has been awarded the Ruth Steegmann School Psychologist of the Year Award from the New York Association of School Psychologists (NYASP) Chapter D.
Mrs. Schroeder, who has worked as the elementary school psychologist since 2001, was nominated by the district for her professional excellence and leadership at Bloomfield Elementary.
“I was very humbled and surprised that they submitted for [this award],” Mrs. Schroeder said.
The award is given annually to one school psychologist in each chapter of NYASP. Chapter D includes Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, and Wayne Counties.
“Mrs. Schroeder is an asset to Bloomfield Elementary School,” said Dr. Tracy A. Marchionda, Acting Principal of BES. “Her experience and expertise in helping support children is something we have known and we are so excited that her outstanding abilities are being recognized across our region. We are so lucky to have her and very proud that she is being recognized by her peers for her great work!”
Mrs. Schroeder took her position at BES right out of graduate school at Alfred University 25 years ago. Her job as school psychologist is multifaceted and, as she said, “she wears a lot of hats.”
“No two days are ever alike,” Mrs. Schroeder said, but that is one of her favorite parts of her job.
Her days consist of student testing, supporting students with counseling services and providing screenings for new incoming students and kindergarteners. She is part of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Team at the Elementary School and part of the student support team that helps students in times of crisis, among other things.
The days can get crazy, she said, but moments of connection with students makes the craziness fade away.
“It’s about the relationships that you create with kids,” she said. “I want to be someone they want to connect with.”
Mrs. Schroeder loves getting to know the students and wants them to recognize her as someone they can go to for help. She makes sure she’s out at parent drop off and in the hallways being seen by students and saying hello.
To Mrs. Schroeder, it “doesn’t have to be grand or big. Natural interactions can set a kiddo up for a great day.” These interactions help students know her better, which helps lay the foundation of trust if there’s ever a crisis.
“We’re drawn to working in education,” said Mrs. Schroeder. “We want to work in a place with relationships and there’s no better place to do that than in a school.”
Mrs. Schroeder will receive her award at an upcoming meeting of NYASP Chapter D. She is also in the running for the NYASP state-wide Frank Plumeau School Psychologist of the Year Award at the annual conference in November.
