Following the theme "Building on a firm foundation," Fulton County school psychologists this week are sharing the wonders of books with students during Georgia School Psychology Week, Feb. 11-17.

In addition, the Psychological Services Department staff will, for the second straight year, donate at least 75 personally purchased books to the schools.

"As a department we decided that we wanted to give something back to the schools during this week," said Arletta Brinson, coordinator of psychological services. "We could think of no better effort than to support the system's goal of improving reading in a very tangible manner."

The Psychological Services Department provides consultations, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, prevention and intervention activities, and assessments to students and staff.

In addition, psychologists train staff and parents in how best to help children deal with emotional and behavioral barriers to education. School psychologists also address academic and behavioral issues by serving on student support and crisis intervention teams.

More than half of Fulton County's school psychologists have earned the Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential. Staff member Judith Vogel was named the Georgia School Psychologist of the Year in 1998-1999, and still other Fulton psychologists have been honored at the national, state and local level for their service to children.

For information on the School Psychology Week observance or the Psychological Services Department, phone psychological services coordinator Arletta Brinson at 404-763-5609 or e-mail brinsona@fulton.k12.ga.us.