San Domenico has a vigorous 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 provide 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.

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

• 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.
• 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 5th grade Family Life In Lower School, oversee the Middle School Life Skills (FCD & Human Sexuality) and coordinate the Upper School health curriculum
• Classroom observation of students at the request of teachers, administrators and/or parents when questions arise about social/emotional challenges or learning differences.
• One-on-one parent consultation 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 Parent Education opportunities (Parent 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.

Our experienced team of Learning Specialists support students to be engaged learners who can increasingly advocate for their specific learning needs. To this end, we work at each school level to provide academic support for students with demonstrated learning and attention differences. We partner with families and teachers to implement innovative teaching strategies and coordinate classroom accommodations. Support models vary at each school level and may include: small group instruction, academic screenings, student support meetings and referrals to outside services for evaluations or intervention.

In order to qualify for accommodations, a qualifying and current evaluation with a diagnosis must be submitted and approved at each school level.

Lower School Learning Support
Middle School Learning Support
Upper School Learning Support

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.

We are an all-school department and collaborate across all departments and divisions.

Due to the large numbers of students severely allergic to nuts, please remember that nuts are restricted in the primary and middle schools. This means that foods containing nuts or nut-products are not allowed to be brought in lunches or shared in celebrations.

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

We are located in the back of the school in the North Dorm (building #15) next to the pool.

Please stop by any time to visit or call if you have any questions!

Contact

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