School Psychologist

Email
Phone: ext. 5012 // ext. 1220

My name is Sydney Gess and I am the School Psychologist for Valders Area School District. I attended Palmyra-Eagle High School and graduated from St. Norbert College where I received Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I then attended Central Washington University where I received an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in School Psychology and became a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). I have been employed at VASD since 2020 and work at all three levels (Elementary, Middle, and High School). As a district-wide School Psychologist, I have the opportunity to watch students grow and progress throughout their education career.

What is a School Psychologist?

School Psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. We apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.

Think of us as the "detectives" of the school system. When a student is struggling, we partner with families and teachers to uncover the root cause—whether it is a learning difference, an emotional barrier, or an environmental factor—and design a plan to overcome it.

What I Do:

• Assessments: Evaluating students for learning disabilities and eligibility for Special Education services or Section 504 accommodations.

• Counseling & Intervention: Creating individual plans for students struggling with behavior or mental health difficulties.

• Consultation: Collaborating with teachers to create supportive classroom environments.

• Crisis Support: Providing leadership, guidance, consultation, and direct support during difficult times.

Contact Me If:

• You have concerns about your child's learning progress, development, or mental health.

• You feel your child's behavior is impacting their ability to learn.

• You have questions about the Special Education evaluation process.