15 minute read
We're All In This Together
by CHRISTINA JOHNSON
DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING & GUIDANCE AND ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Moment of truth.
Have you ever been tempted to read the last chapter of a story to help alleviate your curiosity or angst around the ending?
This illusion that a journey is easier if we know the ending in advance is a powerful one. Not knowing how things will work out is partly why the COVID-19 pandemic has caused fear and distress across the globe. And yet, in my 22 years as a counselor at St. Martin’s, I have yet to see a challenge that our students and community could not overcome. In my role as the Director of Counseling and Guidance at SMES, I work closely with Early Childhood Guidance Counselor LaToyia Hawkins and school leadership to ensure all students receive the support they need as they grow up at St. Martin’s. We do this through dedicated guidance classes, special programs such as “Lunch with Ms. J,” (as I’m affectionately known) and small group or one-on-one meetings to address specific needs.
We’re All In This Together
Social and Emotional Learning
This year, with an added dimension of trust and care, we are teaching students to embrace this new and very different reality of attending school during a pandemic and discussing how they feel about it. Through open and honest discussions and creative adaptations of guidance lessons and programs, it’s obvious that masks, social distancing and Plexiglas barriers have not kept our students from connecting, bonding and expressing themselves this year. When COVID-19 upended school life as we knew it, the topic of social and emotional learning (SEL) became top of mind for educators, child psychologists and even parents. SEL, which involves creating positive relationships
and emotional connections, is developmentally optimal in the school environment. In other words, opportunities to make responsible decisions, manage feelings and show empathy are around every corner here at school.
In The Classroom
Social and emotional learning is the foundation of what we teach in the counseling and guidance program at St. Martin’s. As early as age two, St. Martin’s students begin to meet weekly with Mrs. Hawkins for lessons focusing on kindness, compassion, making new friends and how to express feelings. EC and 1st-grade students practice learning kindness through the “Thumbs Up for Kindness” exercise. In this game, Mrs. Hawkins shows students pictures of various scenarios of children being kind or unkind to others, and students give a thumbs up to scenarios that demonstrate kindness and caring. This is a fun and engageing way for students to learn about sharing, treating others how they want to be treated and being a good friend. On a weekly basis in the Elementary School, I work with 2nd-grade students on how to be a good student as we get to know each other and build a foundation of trust. In 3rd grade, we work on personal choices and responsibility, the 4th graders and I focus on assertiveness and confidence and the 5th-grade lessons center on independence and self-awareness. Although presented in a linear fashion, these topics are addressed in developmentally appropriate ways across grade levels and are rooted in SEL objectives including positive goals, caring relationships, responsible decision making and emotional connections and expression. Each ES guidance lesson begins with “Pats on the Back,” now COVID-19-modified “Claps in the Air.” An uplifting way to set the tone for our learning and sharing, students share a “pat/clap” with someone in the classroom who has done something or said something that made them feel cared for and happy. At times, the “clap” is for a teacher who has gone the extra mile and made a special difference for that student. Middle school guidance offers the same opportunities for connection and personal growth utilizing a coteaching approach. As the program continues to build upon the SEL objectives referenced in Elementary School guidance classes, Dean of Students Patti Pitoscia explores leadership concepts and opportunities, while High School Placement Coordinator Neil Conrad supports the 8thgrade outplacement through SSAT preparation. As part of the St. Martin’s health education program and ongoing commitment to prevention and wellness, Middle School students participate in the Freedom Against Chemical Dependency program. This annual programming addresses the physiological and psychological effects of various drugs and provides a forum for discussing the social, cultural and personal issues related to the choices students and families make.
Additional Programming
Guidance programs focusing on small-group interaction are great opportunities for more personal sharing and reflection and allow for additional SEL. The connections formed in these small groups are priceless! Group “lunches with Ms. J,” serve as a moment in the middle of the day to bond with students. A bonus of COVID-19 has been the opportunity to gather outside on beautiful fall days. Even the students are making these observations and verbalizing the silver lining.
EC + 1ST GRADE
2ND GRADE
3RD GRADE
4TH GRADE
5TH GRADE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Practice learning kindness
Work on how to be a good student
Learn about personal choices and responsibility
Focus on assertiveness and confidence
Discuss independence and self-awareness
Explore leadership concepts and opportunities
For Warriors who are new to the school, connections are traditionally initiated with the weekly middle school breakfast bunch and the elementary school lunch bunch. These weekly meetings offer a time for new students to gather to learn about each other and their new school. Instead, pop-in visits, whether to share something funny or sad or to receive a personalized box of candy, have become more precious this year as togetherness has taken on a new meaning. Beyond classroom lessons and structured programming, the counseling and guidance program intentionally nurtures caring and therapeutic connections with students when they need it most. The SMES Care Team is a compassionate crew made up of the division principals, school counselors, chaplain, school nurse, dean of students and director of diversity and inclusion. Together, we collaborate to ensure that the entire school family is supported and cared for, often focusing on individuals who may be going through a particularly difficult time and brainstorming ways to extend extra love and support. School counselors enjoy the gift of being an extension of parents’ love and guidance. We work to reinforce your family values and provide support and advice as another trusted adult in your child’s life. In addition to bringing a bit of cheer and light to students, we also bring connection and hope. Like all adults, we feel the temptation to “fix things,” or to quickly reach the resolution at the end of the story. And yet our real purpose is to remind students that we are in this together; they are not alone. The work is in staying present in the little moments: sitting with them as they cry, listening to their stories with compassion and responding to their feelings with transparency and honesty. That said, children are more resilient and stronger than we often believe, and as long as we foster a connection with them, COVID-19 and other obstacles will not inhibit their growth into socially and emotionally competent young adults.
When did your family become part of the St. Martin’s family?
Our family joined the St. Martin’s community in 2010 when our oldest, a 2019 St. Martin’s graduate, started in kindergarten. His sisters soon followed and are currently in 3rd and 7th grades. Our son’s 8th-grade year was also our youngest’s 1st-grade year. Our sadness over the ending of his time at SMES was balanced by the joy of doing it all again with our youngest.
Through the years, how have you been involved in the St. Martin’s community?
I have served as a room representative, a room rep coordinator for the PTO, warrior wings committee chair, on The St. Martin’s Fund committee, a parent council representative and this year as co-vice president of the PTO. I also love helping out at the book fair and decorating for the father daughter dance. And, when drama productions are back, I hope to help with costumes and sets.
Why is giving back to St. Martin’s important to you?
I am introverted by nature, and when our family first started at St. Martin’s, I felt like more of an observer than a participant. Early on, I was lucky to make a friend who invited me to serve on a committee
Volunteer Spotlight Elizabeth Miller
with her. That invitation made all the difference, and getting involved with the school opened up so many opportunities to meet other families with whom we could share the milestones of raising our children. After serving with my friend, I decided that one of my goals in working with the PTO was to help make St. Martin’s and the PTO the most inviting and welcoming place possible. Serving as a room rep and on the warrior wings committee offered a chance to reach out to others. During non-COVID-19 times, volunteering as a room rep offers an opportunity to invite newcomers to attend school functions and to ask class parents to volunteer with you. Warrior Wings provides a chance to share with families experiencing both joy and hardship and it has been so meaningful.
What makes St. Martin’s special to you and your family?
St. Martin’s is so special for a lot of reasons. There are so many teachers we love who have prepared our children so well, and our lasting connection with other families has been wonderful. Now that we have a high schooler, there are many occasions for reflection on how fast time has gone by and how tightly we want to hold onto these moments of childhood. It seems that St. Martin’s is the backdrop for all of these moments. That is really what St. Martin’s has been to us – teachers, administrators and staff who value these moments as much as we do. The school gives us a community in which our children can experience childhood – and all the wonder, joy, and growth that goes along with that special time.
Joined St. Martin’s community:
2010
Volunteer Areas:
• Room representative • Room rep coordinator • Warrior Wings committee chair • St. Martin's
Fund committee • Parent council representative • Co-vice president of the PTO
Volleyball: A Second Family
8 BY EVA MCLAREN, 8TH GRADE
Although COVID-19 greatly affected volleyball at St. Martin’s this year, players still experienced the feeling of having a second family on the court. No matter what team, athletes always have the feeling of community and support. The players bond with each other through weekly practice and occasional games. With the restrictions of COVID-19, the players had to play on teams solely made of people in their grades, and each grade played a couple of intra-squad matches. Every practice, we were pushed out of our comfort zone and learned new skills. Whether competing with ourselves or other schools, we learn the importance of teamwork and trusting in our fellow teammates. We are a team on and off the court. As teammates, we learn to rely on each other in and out of practice. During a normal year, we also meet other people in different grades. Volleyball can give younger students the opportunity to meet with older players, ask them questions, and get tips that are helpful while playing volleyball. I always feel like I can go to my teammates or coaches for anything I need. Having a second family is really meaningful, and at St. Martin’s, there are so many opportunities to have that feeling. Every girl on the team has a role; we learn to trust in ourselves and others through our positions. Whether you are middle hitter, outside hitter, or setter, you are always included and have to be active in the game. As a team, we have to learn rotations and where each person individually has to move. During a point, we learn to flow as a team to keep the ball up and get to the correct position on the court. Diving for spikes, we shout with joy as our teammates make a good pass. We are taught to be loud and communicate effectively, or else we will not be successful in working together. This gives people the confidence and courage to speak up in everyday life. Sixth grader Olivia Schwind commented on what volleyball means to her, “You can meet new people and it is a fun sport if you haven’t learned it,” she said. Olivia really enjoys the aspect of volleyball where you might not be with your closest friends and that’s perfectly fine because she can make new friends. She also likes how it doesn’t matter whether or not you have played the sport before because you will always have a place and a purpose. Eighth grader Ingrid van der Mandele explains why she plays: “I have a lot of support from teammates and coaches and I am always being encouraged. Whenever I go to practice, I always have a good time thanks to my coaches and teammates.” Ingrid loves the feeling that no matter how well you play your coach and team will always be there for you. Everytime we get to practice we always have the best time, whether we are doing drills or playing a game. “I like to work with the players to improve their skills and help them improve as a team and as individuals,” said Coach Nama. Our coaches always are trying to make our experience better. Volleyball at St. Martin’s is more than just the sport alone, it is about our development as a team and a family. Being a part of a team is a very encouraging and supportive environment, especially on the volleyball team at St. Martin’s. We learn important skills that are not directly associated with volleyball but benefit us nonetheless. Thanks to our amazing coaches and teammates volleyball has become something that I can always rely on and look forward to. School would not be the same without my volleyball family, and I am sure my teammates feel the same way.
Student Council at SMES
8 BY MARSHALL LISENBY, 8TH GRADE
ith ideas flowing and W hands raising, the Student Council members excitedly sit in the atrium deciding the theme for the upcoming dance. Student Council is a group of students who are elected by their homerooms each year. Middle School representatives are also able to run once more for officer positions such as President and Treasurer. The Student Council was created to give students a way to directly make changes to the school. The group meets up once a month to discuss issues, problems, and ideas that have come up within the school. If they find a problem, they then work on solutions and write down a proposal to show to Middle School Principal Tony Shaffer. Once he signs the proposal, the change is put into effect. The Student Council also works on organizing school wide events such as the dances and spirit week which help raise money. Money is also raised through the snack cart, which is a cart full of snacks that Middle School students are able to purchase for 50 cents each during morning break. At the end of the year, the collected money is donated to a charity of the council's choice. Student Council is a big responsibility, but I am glad that I have been elected to it for the past three years. The Student Council is a bit different this year due to COVID-19. So far, meetings have been held virtually on Zoom where we can meet together as a group with all members attending. Once the Zoom meetings are no longer necessary, there will be a new meeting area with more spacedapart chairs to stop the possible spread of COVID-19. Even though things are different, we will still be doing our normal jobs this year, helping and improving the school. The main thing affected is the cancellation of Middle School dances. This is a major fundraiser, but as things get cancelled, there are always opportunities for new, better ideas to be integrated. As a part of the Student Council, I feel that I am making a big impact upon the school and leaving behind contributions. One of the biggest contributions I have made as a part of the Student Council is the introduction of St. Martin's hoodies to the school. When I was in sixth grade, many students chose to wear non-uniform hoodies around the school, and this ended up creating a constant conflict between students and faculty. The Student Council decided that we needed to act on this and create St. Martin's uniform hoodies, so we started putting our idea into action. Sitting around with Athletic Director Mark McDaniel in the Atrium, student council members excitedly discussed the prototypes and designs for the new sweatshirt and thoughts of new uniform items were quickly spread throughout the school. At the next meeting, the council voted on the apparel that we liked and the school ordered them. By the end of the year, almost everyone had one of the uniform hoodies and was wearing them around school. This ended the conflicts over nonuniform hoodies at St. Martin’s. “I feel that as a member of the student council, I have made a great contribution to the school,” says Bradey Shannon, a council member during the year when hoodies were implemented. “This is one of the many things I have done as a Student Council member, and in this upcoming year, I hope to do more.”
