RESTORING CONNECTIONS Supporting Students in a Pandemic
Life as we knew it was flipped upside-down when the pandemic hit—especially for our children. Routines that defined the day were disrupted as schools pivoted to online learning, canceling after-school activities like sports, clubs, and social events. When these environments collapsed, children not only lost structure but a community. In the months that followed, these losses profoundly affected our children's social and emotional health—and still do. School counselors prepared for this year at Stone Ridge knowing it would be “significantly more transitional than in the pre-pandemic days,” says Denise Key, Upper School Director of Counseling and Student Support. As students eased back into the school routine, the counselors knew greater attention would need to be paid to students' social and emotional health as well as academics. The counselors intentionally began the year by strengthening communal bonds. In addition to their direct work with students, Stone Ridge counselors increased their capacity to help teachers and parents support children in and outside of the classroom. Their efforts stand as a true testament to Goal IV, building community as a Christian value, as they face the unprecedented need for social and emotional support head-on.
Routines
School routines provide children with a sense of safety; they know what is expected of them. Children learn constructive behaviors through structure and routine and build essential executive functioning skills like flexible thinking, self-control, planning, and time management. After-school activities provide children with dedicated time to build physical skills and find their passions. Routines also enable students to nurture friendships and build support systems. “This is the third academic year with COVID,” says Ms. Key, “the last time our 9th graders had a full year of regular school was in 6th grade.” Helping students restore their social lives and balance academics has been a key theme this year, especially as students report higher levels of stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. Students are
6
Stone Ridge Magazine
Chantell PrescottHollander works with Lower School students on breathing techniques and identifying their feelings, along with building communication skills.
Most of all, in the true spirit of Goal IV, Stone Ridge remains a place where every girl has a space. challenged by adjusting to the demands of an 8-hour school day and the need to rebuild their social circles and support systems. From the counselors' perspectives, during this transitive year it is pivotal for students to regain the academic and social stamina they once had.
Relationships
Being in relationships with others is an essential part of how young girls connect and develop. Stone Ridge's commitment to social and emotional learning has been a pillar for counselors and teachers in restoring these connections. “We all engage in the wellness and socialemotional learning of our students,” says Ms. Key, “it's not just confined to the counseling offices.” The school day is intentionally built around community and connection. Social and emotional lessons are embedded into programming
