A Bridge Between Students and Teachers : the Support of Learning Services at Saint David ’ s
By Jennifer Kim , with Melanie Blackmon , David May , Meg McVey , Vita Russo , and Kat White
To shape the year , Dr . O ’ Halloran wrote an opening letter defining this year ’ s school theme : Joyful Balance . Soon after , his words echoed in the school halls as faculty and staff brainstormed ways to explore this notion within all arenas of
Saint David ’ s . Finding balance is no easy feat , but as we emerge from the pandemic , and redefine new norms , the theme is apropos for all , including our school community .
It is particularly striking that the two words , joyful and balance , are combined because in finding balance , one often thinks about the act of abstaining or removing . An athlete balances self-discipline with skill-practice by abstaining from unhealthy foods ; a parent balances work life with home life by setting necessary boundaries in both places ; a child balances healthy sources of entertainment by limiting how much time they watch television or play video games ; however , none of this is necessarily natural . Thus , the charge to find a balance that is life-giving and delightful , is a high ( and essential ) call . And if we , as adults , find this balance necessary , how much more necessary is it for us to help our students find it ? The Learning Services Team thoughtfully takes on this charge . We join the school in helping all students navigate the grey , as Dr . O ’ Halloran aptly noted in his opening letter .
At Saint David ’ s School , we support and celebrate a diverse range of learning styles . With an understanding that each boy learns differently , our team approach is to help students identify the appropriate tools they need to learn and grow . We scaffold support to help boys discover strategies that guide them to becoming successful learners . Such skills include , but are not limited to : selfadvocating , organization , and time management . These learning plans are paired alongside students ’ strengths , to help boys visualize moments where they can step away from their academic responsibilities to pursue personal passions or interests . Joyful Balance .
In efforts to achieve this level of individualized support and agency for our students , the Learning Services Team ’ s overarching mission is clear communication and consistent collaboration . This applies to all support systems in a child ’ s life : educators , parents , and outside specialists .
Within our school walls , the Learning Services Team seeks to be the bridge between teachers and students to support ongoing learning and meaningful relationships . Under Ms . Vita Russo ’ s guidance , each Learning Specialist oversees a group of grades . Throughout the year , our team holds biweekly Student Services Meetings organized by grade level where they can highlight students identified with learning differences and provide researchbased learning strategies to best support them . On the faculty side , the purpose of these meetings is to provide different members a chance to share their observations ,
20 • Saint David ’ s Magazine