I think 2005 will be a year we will all remember. It
has been one of tremendous losses, but certainly one
of challenges, as well.

We were saddened in January by the loss of Dr. Fred
Woodall, a founding member and two-time president of
MAPS. Fred loved educating others, therefore, the
executive committee has voted to use contributions to
MAPS in Fred's name, to fund a scholarship for
graduate students in school psychology. The initial
funds have been invested while guidelines for the
scholarship program are established. Recently, we
were shocked to hear of the untimely death of Jo
Jenkins, of West Point. Jo was a long time member of
MAPS and for many years was the Ethics Chair on the
executive committee. Fred and Jo will be missed.
The hurricane season brought many losses. Many of our
coast members lost so much. It is impossible for the
rest of us to even imagine what being in their shoes
must be like.

In response to the devastation of the Katrina, Dr. Joe
Olmi organized training by Dr. Phil Lazarus, a
leader in natural disaster response, from Florida.
Dr. Lazarus will be joining us for the MAPS Spring
Conference, which will be great for those of us who
did not get to hear him in Hattiesburg and Oxford.
The conference, which is being expertly planned by Dr.
Tony Doggett, President-Elect from MSU, promises to be
an event from which we can all benefit. We are also fortunate
to have two well respected presenters speaking to us
regarding very timely topics. Response to Intervention and
Academic Interventions will be presented by Dr. Merilee
McCurdy. Additionally, CBM and local norming will be
offered by Dr. Mark Shinn. We look forward to hearing them both.

We are hoping that our Louisiana School Psychology
neighbors will be able to join us, as we understand that
they will be unable to hold their own conference. |
Additionally, we feel that our program will be helpful to
others in the helping professions who are interested in crisis
response.

We feel that the conference, which will be held
February 1-3 at the Cabot Lodge Millsaps, will have
much for us to learn regarding the everchanging role
of school psychologists and psychometrists. I hope to
see everyone there!

Kathy