Mental health support occurs across all grade levels through interactions with teachers, directly through curriculum, and other social-emotional learning opportunities. Second Step curriculum units teach students how to regulate their emotions and communicate respectfully with others. Mental health information for families is shared in our weekly Ignatian newsletter, which provides tips and resources for parents in responding to and guiding students at home.

In addition to the Second Step curriculum, our religion classes assist students in celebrating God’s creation of our rich human diversity. The Archdiocese of Portland’s Catholic schools are implementing an additional social-emotional curriculum this year called Virtues in Education. Students will learn about their own virtues and learn how to strengthen virtues they are still developing. As St. Ignatius School begins the implementation of this new curriculum, virtues will be tied to our current Schoolwide Learning Expectations (SLEs).

As students learn and grow as children of God, they sometimes require additional mental health assistance. St. Ignatius School does not currently have a counselor on staff, however our learning support team works with families to provide mental health resources. Students experiencing mental health challenges are often encouraged to see their pediatrician for evaluation and next steps in their care. St. Ignatius School partners with families and their child’s care team to provide a safe learning environment for all students. Just as with a physical illness, students may be asked to remain at home if they are unable to participate in learning while in school.