While academics are a priority at St. James, we are also dedicated to foster the development of social and emotional skills.  All students at St. James participate in bi-weekly guidance lessons in their class during religion class. Guidance lessons cover topics related to emotions, social skills, academics, and spirituality.  Each grade level has a specific program tailored to teaching age appropriate skills which are evidence based.  At times, these bi-weekly lessons are also tailored to the needs of students in each class. It is our priority to provide our students with the skills they will need to be successful in all aspects of life.  
 

Students at times need individualized attention and through our counseling program we get the chance to provide this to our students. Parents, teachers, the principal, or the counselor may request individual services of a student. Students may also refer themselves or a friend to get a check-in visit with our counselor.  Individual meetings with our counselor can be related to social, emotional, or academic concerns.

At times we will find a group of students struggling with the same issue. Small groups are the best fit for these students. Students get the chance to feel a part of a group and realize they are not alone in their issue. They get to learn from each other and become each other’s support. The group topics are tailored to developing the area the group needs help with.  Small groups are hosted during a period in which students will not be affected academically, and they will be six to eight weekly sessions.
 

Our counselor is always on hand to handle any crisis with our students.  A crisis can range from posing a risk to themselves or others to having a highly emotional reaction to a situation in school.  If at any time a student is deemed to be in a crisis, our counselor meets with our students to help deescalate the situation and work to get the student into a state of mind in which they can return to class.  At times, a crisis will then lead to a need of regular individual counseling meetings.