Senate Resolution No. 1319

BY: Senator BROUK

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
November 6-10, 2023, as National School Psychology
Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 6-10, 2023, as
National School Psychology Week in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, This National School Psychology Week comes as New York's
youth grapple with mental health conditions at unprecedented rates; with
students needing more support than ever, school psychologists are at the
front line of this crisis; and

WHEREAS, According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
(CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, feelings of persistent
sadness and hopelessness-as well as suicidal thoughts and
behaviors-increased by about 40 percent among young people in the 10
years leading up to the pandemic; and

WHEREAS, The CDC also reports that during the pandemic, 29 percent
of U.S. high school students had a parent or caregiver who lost their
job, 55 percent were emotionally abused by a parent or caregiver, and 11
percent were physically abused; and

WHEREAS, School psychologists provide direct consultations and
training to improve mental wellness among our youth; and

WHEREAS, This body is committed to improving youth mental health
outcomes for families across the state; and

WHEREAS, The objective of National School Psychology Week in the
State of New York is to raise awareness of the important work of school
psychologists in our communities; the week provides an opportunity for
professionals and families to engage in discussions about what needs to
be done to improve youth mental health outcomes; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 6-10, 2023, as
National School Psychology Week in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.