Since the establishment of St. Mary’s School in 1950, the education of the “whole child” has been her focus. Whether it is through the rigorous academic programs, the enriching Encore classes, various afterschool activities, the dynamic athletics programs, or the devotion to Christian values and Catholic practices, families for 75 years have trusted, supported, and found a home for their children at St. Mary’s. By focusing on the “whole child,” Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has always been an integral part the curriculum and everyday interactions.
In recent years, research concerning and promotion of SEL in schools has increased dramatically. Current findings have determined the five competencies of SEL to be self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making (Greenberg, p.31). The National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development “concluded (in 2017) that social and emotional competencies are essential to learning; positive development; and success in school, careers, and life” (Greenberg, p. 2).
School Counseling Services
St. Mary’s is fortunate to provide counseling services three days a week. Beginning in the fall of 2021, David Morrow joined the faculty and staff of St. Mary’s. With a BA in Psychology and MA in School Counseling and Educational Psychology, Mr. Morrow has brought over 15 years of experience working with young people. After first visiting St. Mary’s, Mr. Morrow wrote of his interest in joining St. Mary’s:
“One of the best things I took away from our conversation- and the one I found myself sharing with family and friends this weekend- was the concept of education as a calling. I can’t fully express how much the concept of education as a mission and a calling resonated for me. I could tell how strong the SMS team was, and I felt how positive and warm the whole school is firsthand. That shared mission seems to help a school create such a great atmosphere, doesn’t it? When educating kids is a shared calling, a staff can come together in amazing ways. The good times are great and the strength we all need to handle the tough times is there. I was really glad to see the mission of educating kids in action at SMS. What a special place!”
Mr. Morrow has become an integral member of the St. Mary’s faculty. He has provided professional development for the teachers, serves on the school’s discipline team, coaches the middle school boys’ basketball team, and makes himself readily available for all students who need his service. Additionally, Mr. Morrow visits each grade level during the week to implement the Friendzy® curriculum and talk with the students. He co-teaches the Knoxville Diocese’s safe-environment lessons, Circle of Grace, with each homeroom teacher. He also co-teaches with the learning lab director a class called ARMES. Thanks to his service these past 3+ years, St. Mary’s is even stronger in living out the mission and shared calling to educate the whole child, in body, mind and spirit.
Friendzy®
Friendzy® is a social and emotional learning program that helps students to identify their feelings, manage their emotions and communicate with others. This positively impacts their relationships and their time in school. Friendzy® uses an evidence-based approach that focuses on the five competencies of SEL. St. Mary’s implemented Friendzy’s® biblical friendship program during the 2023-2024 school year. The biblical program teaches skills such as respect, confidence, problem solving and communication skills all while following God’s design for friendship. Friendzy® and the St. Mary’s faculty believe that “(s)tudents can’t unlock their full academic potential without first unlocking their full social-emotional self” (friendzy.co).
ARMES Class
For several years the middle school schedule at St. Mary’s has included a class called ARMES: Academics, Remediation, Mentoring, Enrichment, and Study-skills. The class was developed by the middle school team of teachers, the school’s learning lab director, and the school counselor. This class provides additional time to “arm” our middle school students for high school. During ARMES students receive instruction on notetaking and organization, engage with the Friendzy® curriculum, work on individual, identified skills that need to improve, and have opportunities to learn beyond the standard curriculum. Additionally, ARMES provides the opportunity to hear from guest speakers. This year they have engaged with Danielle McClean, author and translator, and Dr. Jay Butler, lead consultant from Edjaycation Solutions whose mission is to assist in cultivating and transforming education and community through collaboration, empowerment, and equity.
Virtues in Practice
The Virtues in Practice (ViP) program was created by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation of Nashville, Tennessee, who have been a part of St. Mary’s School since its establishment. The program revolves in a three-year cycle with a spiraling curriculum. Each year of the cycle focuses on one of the Cardinal Virtues: faith, hope, or charity. Then there is a virtue of the month that connects with the Cardinal Virtue throughout the school year. There are lessons and activities for each month that feature an explanation of the virtue, a Saint of the month, discussion questions, a home activity, and prayers. Additionally, St. Mary’s School recognizes students who embody the month’s virtue by selecting as the Student of the Month. They receive a certificate, their photo is placed on the ViP bulletin board in the school’s front hallway, and they are featured on the school’s website.
