MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The City of Merced is honoring its school psychologists by dedicating a full school week to them. Mayor Matthew Serratto announced on Monday that Nov. 11 through Nov. 15 will be celebrated as School Psychologist Week in Merced. "School psychologists play a key role in helping our children thrive — supporting them academically, socially, and emotionally," the City of Merced said. "Their work is essential in creating safe, inclusive school environments that address the mental health and learning needs of all students." According to the American Psychologists Association, school psychologists, are historically understaffed in the States, and play a crucial and sometimes life-saving role, supporting students and working to minimize the number of preventable tragedies. The CDC reports that in 2023, 39.7% of students experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness and 28.5% experienced poor mental health. The following representatives were recognized by the City of Merced for their dedication to uplifting their students' lives: Merced Union High School District representatives Donna Hoffart Angelica Navarrette Perez Antonio Rodriguez Merced City School District representatives Christopher Bruening Diane Taylor Andrea Hoffman Jelsyn Pritchard Murial Banda Danielle Sotelo Janette Ramirez Merced County Office of Education representatives Ashley Bateman Kathere Williams Denisse Gonzalez Jason Whisenhunt Arlette Magallon Katherine Long Arianna Ramirez Cailan Gaede Shawnelle Brunger Weaver Union School District representative Stephanie Martinez-Piuser Atwater Elementary School District representatives Cristina Rubalcava Krushenka Salazar Miriam Andrade Alyssa Chavez Jasmine Clark April De La Cruz (CVA-CASP Board Member) Karina Flores