Embedded Files
Aligned with our mission statement, we seek to achieve ongoing excellence in academics by also tending to the environments and mindsets that allow students to engage with and work through challenges in healthy and productive ways. St. Paul Academy and Summit School strives to support students in the development of skills that promote wellness and balance in the context of our school program, and to teach strategies for persevering through developmental challenges that accompany learning and growing. In all three divisions, the counselors are an integral part of the Administrative Team and may provide consultative services to the student support team and classroom teachers.
During this period of Distance Learning, the Counseling Staff at the School will continue to collaborate with students, teachers, and families to support the development of healthy learning and social environments for students. Counselors support students in understanding their whole selves; they collaborate with students and families to foster an environment of inclusivity, and to identify the specific actions that will be taken by the student, school, family, or other support providers to create the necessary conditions to make a particular student’s experience as positive as possible.
SPA DISTANCE LEARNING: CONTACTING THE COUNSELING STAFF
SPA DISTANCE LEARNING: CONTACTING THE COUNSELING STAFF
During the extended school shift to distance learning, SPA counselors are available by email and phone from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday through Friday to address student social-emotional support and wellbeing. You may contact a counselor in your division to schedule a meeting through one of the following:
Email the counselor directly
Leave a voicemail message on the counselor’s school extension. While the counselors will not be physically present to answer their phone, they will check messages daily
The counselors will typically respond within 24 hours during the school week (Monday - Friday). During office hours as designated below, counselors will be available to respond to your inquiries and schedule appointments as warranted.
Due to the remote nature of these communications, our counselors’ ability to provide crisis or emergency support may be limited. If during this extended school closure you become worried about your own, your child’s, or someone else’s safety, please dial 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or consult the crisis resources below.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS AND IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS AND IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES CAN HELP:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Throughout Minnesota: call **CRISIS (**274747)
Crisis Text Line: is available for free, 24/7 by texting MN to 741741
The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386
Al-ateen Chat Meetings (teens struggling with a loved one’s chemical use)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health National Hotline at 1-800-662-4357
SPA COUNSELORS CONTACT INFORMATION AND OFFICE HOURS
SPA COUNSELORS CONTACT INFORMATION AND OFFICE HOURS
LOWER SCHOOL:
Dr. Tim Elchert, Ph.D., LP
651-696-1564
OFFICE HOURS:
MWF 9:30-11:00,
TTH 12:30-2:00
LOWER SCHOOL:
Jacque Pittz
OFFICE HOURS:
MT 7:30-9:30 and 1:30-3:30
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Sara Mairs, MA, LP
651-696-1396
OFFICE HOURS:
MWF 12:30-2:00,
TTH 9:30-11:00
UPPER SCHOOL:
Emily Barbee, MFT, PPSC
651-696-1437
OFFICE HOURS:
MWF 12:30-2:00pm,
TTH 10:00-11:30
UPPER SCHOOL:
Susanna Short, MSW, LICSW,
651-696-1309
OFFICE HOURS:
MWF 10:00-11:30,
TTH 2:30-4:00
SPA counselors are not able to respond via text message. Please use the above mechanisms for contacting the counselors. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
SPA DISTANCE LEARNING--COUNSELING SUPPORT
SPA DISTANCE LEARNING--COUNSELING SUPPORT
It’s important to note that while we are able to continue to help students navigate the typical stresses of life, including academic pressures, home/life stressors, and complex social situations, our counseling services will be modified. We are unable to conduct safety assessments remotely or to be available in a reliable manner should an imminent concern arise. Parents and legal guardians typically will serve as the primary adult supervisor for students during a period of distance learning, and the shift in our support will logically be towards more parent guidance and referrals and towards less 1:1 or small group direct support of students, especially in the Middle and Lower Schools.
Scheduling Meetings:
If a counselor determines that a student may benefit from a 1:1 or small group counseling session, they may recommend using Google Meet with students remotely to discuss self-care and self-management. Please note that students may seek privacy for this meeting, either by taking it in a separate room or by using the Google Meet voice call feature and taking a walk during the conversation. Our goal is to provide confidential space for your child to reflect and process stress and challenges. The content of the meeting will be kept confidential by the counselor unless there are concerns for the child’s safety. Parents will be notified in a separate communication ASAP if there are safety concerns.
Students or Parents/Legal Guardians who would like to consult with a counselor can email the counselor to request a meeting. Students who are referred by a SPA adult (teacher or administrator) to have a consultation with a counselor will receive an email from the counselor. Counselors will determine the best format for meeting a student's needs, which might include referral to online resources, referral to a mental health provider, consultation with parent/legal guardian, or online counseling session through Google Meet.
Need for additional Support beyond School Counselor:
If the counselor has concerns about your child’s safety, you may be asked to see an outside provider for an assessment. Safety assessments cannot be completed remotely. We can provide information and resources to help you connect with a mental health provider. If your child is working with an outside provider, we encourage you to speak with them about their support plans during remote learning. If you would like resources for finding an outside provider, please reach out to us.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
How School Closures Can Strengthen Your Family
Talking to Students about COVID-19 (National Association of School Psychologists)
Report abuse