Student Support Services

The goal of St. Martin's developmental counseling program is to aid students in meeting the challenges of modern life secure in the knowledge of themselves, the world around them, and the skills to formulate, articulate, and actualize their uniqueness.  

The counseling program adheres to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) guidelines in order to help students focus on academic, career, and social/emotional development. This model helps to ensure that students will be able to achieve success in school and will be prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.

Two full-time, Licensed Professional Counselors provide counseling services to all St. Martin's and George Cottage students, including:

• Individual counseling, group counseling, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and family counseling
• Classroom Guidance (Life Skills) lessons on a broad range of topics, including: Empathy, friendships, handling and expressing feelings, conflict resolution, goal setting, bullying/cyberbullying, social skills, problem solving, self-esteem, mindfulness, stress management, sportsmanship, responsibility, leadership, gender and sexuality diversity, coping skills, decision making, social media, etc.  
• Peer support activities by training Middle School students to perform character-building activities with Lower School students
• Weekly Student Support Team meetings with Lower, Middle, and Upper School faculty members
• Consultations and various meetings with parents, administration, teachers, and staff
• Individual and community referrals and resources based upon student and/or family needs
• Educational presentations to parents and faculty members
• Guest speaker presentations
• Special events such as Citizenship Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Week

The Health Services Department supports student success by providing health care through assessment, intervention, and follow-up for all children within the school setting.

This service helps address the physical, mental, emotional, and social health needs of students. A full-time, licensed Registered Nurse provides the following services to Cottage, Lower, Middle and Upper School students and families:

• Develop plans for student care based on assessment, interventions, and identification of outcomes, and the evaluation of care

• Serve as consultants with other school professionals, such as food service personnel, physical education teachers, coaches, and counselors

• Provide health-related education to students and staff in both individual and group settings

• Monitor immunizations, managing communicable diseases, and assessing the school environment as to prevent injury and ensure safety

• Oversee infection control measures

• Actively participate in school safety plans that address school violence, bullying, and emergencies that may occur at school

• Oversee medication administration, health care procedures, and the development of healthcare plans

• Make decisions related to the delegation of healthcare tasks as directed by state laws and professional practice guidance

The Learning Support Program at St. Martin's seeks to help students reach their maximum potential.

All students are welcome to receive help from the Learning Support Program – whether or not they have a diagnosed learning difference. The goals are to empower all students in becoming advocates for themselves in order to achieve success and thrive in college and in life.

The Learning Center at St. Martin’s Episcopal School is comprised of a team of learning specialists who help students with:

• Time management/planning
• Organization
• Active study strategies and memory strategies
• Note taking skills
• Reading comprehension
• Editing and organizing writing
• Understanding learning style preferences
• Growth mindset and self advocacy
• Coordination of accommodation plans for students with diagnosed learning differences or psychological diagnoses

Middle and Upper School students each participate in St. Martin's well-established advisory program.

Beginning in fifth grade, St. Martin's students are matched in groups of eight to twelve with an advisor who is responsible for facilitating their growth in academics, character, service, and personal growth. Advisory groups meet daily for morning meetings and weekly for group and/or individual meetings. These times provide the opportunity for relaxed, informal conversation which strengthens relationships and promotes our sense of community.