Wellbeing
Social & Emotional Counseling
ISD wants to ensure that our students develop as caring, happy, confident, empowered adults. That they go out into this world well-adjusted with integrity, empathy and the positive values required to make a difference. We want to support the development of peaceful homes and a peaceful world. ISD Primary and Secondary counseling services are dedicated to ensuring these qualities through our regular classroom lessons, meetings with individuals, teachers and families; workshops and assemblies.
Children who are supported socially and emotionally learn better. The brain is better able to focus and think when it is clear of worries. Students learn best when they feel comfortable and supported during life’s challenges. When parents are asked, what are their greatest hopes for their children, the responses are often: happiness, self confidence, successful work, integrity and harmonious families. ISD counselors feel confident in providing your children with these life skills.
MEET OUR SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL COUNSELORS
Bryn Stillwell
Primary Social & Emotional Counselor
Giuseppe Tagliarini
Secondary Social & Emotional Counselor
giuseppe.tagliarini@isdbd.org
Primary Social-Emotional Learning
In Primary, students receive weekly Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons on learning skills, feelings, dealing with strong feelings, and problem solving. These skills are taught through the Second Step Program—effective research based program designed to enhance student wellbeing. Children gain self-confidence, self awareness, respect, skills to help focus, use positive self-talk, assertiveness, and the skills to find solutions to problems.
With these skills, young children are ready to manage themselves independently, feel good and make a difference in their future.
Secondary Social-Emotional Learning
In Secondary, lessons cover a wide range of topics that are relevant to students in this age range including but not limited to - Self Awareness, Healthy Relationships, Body Image, Goal Setting, Mental Health & Well-being, Choices and Decision Making. The Social-Emotional Secondary Counselor offers individual counseling to help students resolve personal or interpersonal problems. Small group counseling may also be offered to help students enhance listening and social skills, learn to empathize with others, and find social support through healthy peer relationships.
School counselors provide support at no cost for students who are otherwise unable to access mental health services. School counselors also support school staff by assisting with classroom management techniques and developing programs to improve mental health or school safety. When necessary, counselors may also intervene in a disrupted learning environment.
Our Social-Emotional Secondary Counselor plays a role in providing:
- Opportunities to develop knowledge and an appreciation of themselves and others
- Opportunities to develop relationship skills, ethical standards, and a sense of responsibility
- Opportunities to acquire skills and attitudes necessary to develop educational goals which are suited to their needs, interests, and abilities
- Information that would enable them to make decisions about life and future opportunities and to prepare students to become 21-century global citizens
- Collaboration regarding developing action plans to facilitate their personal, social, and emotional learning and growth
- Counseling relationships that are offered with dignity and respect for each individual
- An environment that maximizes student wellbeing
- Academic standards with goals for academic success
- Develop skills to improve organization, study habits, and time management
- Space to work through personal problems that may affect academics or relationships
- Improved social skills
- The ability to cope with school or community-related violence, accidents, and trauma
- Identify interests, strengths, and work on areas where improvement is needed
Secondary Student Council Association (SCA)
Elected annually by their peers, the Middle School and High School Student Council Association strive to make everyone ‘part of it’.
This dynamic group of Secondary Students provides a voice for all and works tirelessly towards to create an inclusive school that welcomes the entire ISD student body. Our Student Council come from across all grade levels across our Secondary School.
The roles on the Executive Council include President, Vice President, Action Liaison, Communications Officer, Tech Officer, Recording Secretary, and Secretary. These students organize and run the events and activities developed by the SCA. Assisting them in this are three SCA Advisors.
Parent Education Series
At ISD we strongly believe in the importance of the home-school partnership. As such, we will offer a Parent Education series throughout the school year. Topics may include How to Communicate with Your Child, The Adolescent Brain, The Importance of Family Meals, Developing Resilience, Coping with Change, Family Transitions, Dealing with Behavior and How to Talk so Kids Will Listen.
We welcome suggestions from parents on other topics. Please contact the counselor in your child’s section of the school if you wish to make suggestions.
