San Domenico has a robust Counseling Department, reflecting the School's commitment to educating the whole student. We offer on-campus support and programs that enhance the overall health and wellness of our students and families through a focus on social and emotional learning (SEL). Our team of professionally trained and licensed counselors provides a wide range of wellness resources, as well as mental health services (including one-on-one guidance, problem solving, and access to outside resources), and student and parent educational programs.
 
Counselors work closely with the School Administration, Learning Specialists, teachers, outside professionals, and families. We believe that a collaborative team approach is essential to the developmental needs of our students.

The role of our counselors as part of the Student Support and Wellness Team:

• Conduct student check-ins and conflict resolution facilitation when there are specific emotional needs.
• Consult with classroom and specialist teachers regarding social-emotional support for all students.
• Support the implementation and integration of social-emotional learning, self-regulation and conflict resolution programs and approaches.
• Coordinate and teach Fifth Grade Human Development In Lower School, oversee the Middle School Life Skills (Prevention Solutions & Human Sexuality), and collaborate with the Upper School Human Development instructor(s).
• Observe students in the classroom at the request of teachers, administrators, and/or families when questions arise about social/emotional challenges or learning differences.
• Consult with families when students are experiencing social and emotional challenges related to school and/or familial stressors (i.e. illness, family transitions, grief and loss, conflict).
• Provide Family Education opportunities (Parent/Guardian Coffees, guest speakers) to share information on developmental, social, and emotional transitions at each school level.
• Provide appropriate resources and referrals when outside support is needed.
   

The San Domenico Advisory program in grades 6-12 is foundational to all aspects of student support. An advisor works with a group of 10-12 students, meeting regularly as a group and one-on-one as needed throughout the year. Advisory curriculum ranges from established SEL programming to informal check-ins to provide students a space to share, connect, and feel heard. Advisors, who are either faculty or administrators, serve as the student’s primary point of contact to ask questions, express concerns, and share successes. In addition, advisors help students and families determine the appropriate next steps when challenges arise.

One of the essential skills that San Domenico students learn is the ability to ask for and receive help. While our curriculum is challenging, we also ensure that all students have access to academic support if and when they need it. The “right” kind of support varies student to student, and we have myriad ways to meet their needs. 

Peer Tutoring

The Upper School peer-tutoring program is run by the National Honor Society (NHS) student leaders. NHS trains selected peer applicants in one-on-one tutoring for English, Math, Science, and Language classes. This program is primarily student-driven. San Domenico Upper School students may book a session with a peer tutor here. 
The peer tutoring program can supplement a student’s work in their classes and with their teachers. Students have various learning styles, and this option provides a comfortable alternative that appeals to many.

SCHEDULE A PEER TUTORING SESSION
Sessions are available during Study Hall on Thursdays. Please sign up using the form below.
If you have any questions, please email nhs@sandomenico.org.
 

Writing and Research Center

San Domenico’s Writing & Research Center (WRC) is a learning hub that provides Upper School students with one-on-one, small group, and full class support to enhance their writing skills and expand their knowledge of research strategies and resources. Its mission is to nurture each writer to develop their authentic voice with depth and clarity. This program is designed for all students, from those who need additional support to those who want to take their writing skills to the next level. Students can either make an appointment or drop in during specified study hall times. 

Math Lab

For students seeking support or clarification in their Math studies, they have multiple opportunities throughout the week to visit the Math Lab. Staffed by faculty and peer tutors, the Math Lab offers a space for individual or group work for students completing homework, correcting an assignment, or studying for an assessment. 

After-School Homework Support

The Learning Resource Center offers drop-in homework support after school for all Upper School students. This is located in the library every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 3-4:30pm.

Outside Tutors

Occasionally, students require individualized academic support beyond what the San Domenico faculty and support team are able to offer. Upon request or recommendation, the SD Learning Resource team can provide tutor referrals to families in a variety of subject areas. 

If a student requires tutor support during the school day, the family must reach out to the appropriate administrator or Learning Specialist at their school level to request approval. Due to space constraints, not all students are able to meet with a private tutor during the school day on the San Domenico campus, and the circumstances for approval vary by school level. 

The Health Services department assists students who become ill or injured during the school day. We promote health literacy, inform and support faculty/staff, and manage public health issues at school. We provide care to students with special health conditions while they are at school and give medications, if needed. Yearly hearing / vision screenings and TB testing are offered.

The office is staffed daily during school hours by a registered nurse and an administrative assistant. We strive to achieve the right balance between addressing student health needs compassionately while encouraging students to remain in class whenever possible so as not to miss academic time.

Contact
nurse@sandomenico.org
Phone: 415-258-1950
Fax: 415-258-1951
 

In collaboration with the Marin County Office of Education we want to remind you that you are not alone in managing your mental health, or that of someone you love. There are many resources available to support you and we share some herein. Many of us have been affected by the pain and tragedy of suicide. We may have lost someone very dear to us or the impact could have occurred by the loss of someone we may have never met. The entire Marin County school community along with our mental health and healthcare partners are dedicated to keeping our young people safe. Suicide is a complex public health issue that can be prevented. We can play a role in learning and sharing resources on the warning signs of suicide.

Resources and ways to advocate for suicide prevention: 

• Find resources, activities and social media toolkits by visiting the Know the Signs website, a statewide suicide prevention social marketing campaign: https://www.suicideispreventable.org/. This website will give you access to the following resources: 
  • Know the Signs: While pain is not always obvious, most people who are considering suicide demonstrate warning signs.
  • Find the Words and Create a Safe Space: Creating a safe space at a time when there is no crisis is one way we can play a role in suicide prevention. Ways to get the conversation started for concerned loved ones and friends can be found here. Use this time to reach out to someone in your life and let them know that you are comfortable to talk about anything they need, including suicide.
  • Reach Out for support and additional resources. 
  • Annual Suicide Prevention Week Activation Kit: Find social media kits and other activities to promote advocacy. (Link: https://www.suicideispreventable.org/prevention-kit.php) 
• Use and share the attached Webinar Zoom background for all of your virtual calls this week. 
• Watch and share this 60-second PSA created by a California student. This film encourages the viewer to directly ask someone who shows warning signs of suicide if they are thinking of suicide.
• Attend Suicide Prevention EVENTS happening in our community. 

If you or someone you know needs help, please know that you are not alone. Crisis lines, counselors, intervention programs, and more are available to you, whether you are in crisis yourself or concerned about someone else.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text MARIN to 741-741
• The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ Young People): 1-866-488-7386
• Friendship Line (for Older Adults): 1-800-971-0016
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
• Teen Line:  Call 1-800-852-8336 (from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. PST)