School Counselor
Jill Rowan, LCPC
jrowan@saintjamesacademy.org
Our school counselor is available to consult with parents, teachers, and students when concerns arise. In addition, pupils at several grade levels participate in structured programs designed to meet developmental needs related to the acquisition of the social skills and awareness that support living in community and that support living a creative, humane, and compassionate life.
Students in Grades 4 and 5 participate in a program entitled "Dynamic Discoveries." Developed and administered by our school counselor, this program is designed to teach students to honor themselves and one another as children of God. Students engage in team-building exercises, reflective writing, and discussion as they develop awareness of: their own strengths and challenges; conflict management skills; and the ability to determine when to bring adults into any problems they may encounter. As students mature the importance of their place in their peer group grows, as well. Discerning how to conduct oneself and how to respond to the behavior of others figures into daily decision-making that serves as the foundational practice for becoming contributing members of society. The Dynamic Discoveries program and the Middle School Advisory program provide opportunities to support the development of this discernment along with other life skills related to success.