Student Services Department
Josephinum Academy’s Student Services Department provides academic, social-emotional, in addition to college and career planning support to the Josephinum student population. The department provides comprehensive, holistic programming to ensure Josephinum students’ current and future success. This programming includes, but is not limited to: individual and small group counseling, academic support, crisis intervention, and post-secondary planning.
We are introducing an SEL (Social Emotional Learning) curriculum that aligns with the CASEL framework. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is a trusted source for knowledge about high-quality, evidence-based SEL. Research shows that SEL not only improves achievement by an average of 11 percentile points, but it also increases prosocial behaviors (such as kindness, sharing, and empathy), improves student attitudes toward school, and reduces depression and stress among students (Durlak et al., 2011). Students will learn the five key skills for success as outlined by CASEL: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making.
The Student Services Department utilizes a number of important relationships to best serve each student at The Jo.
Student Services-Student Relationship
Each student is assigned to a counselor or social worker upon entering Josephinum Academy. The Student Services Department seeks to develop a trusting and caring relationship with students in order to help them develop emotionally and academically.
Student Services-Parent Relationship
Parents are both welcome and encouraged to call or email The Student Services Department to work together to provide for the student.
Student Services-Teacher Relationship
The Student Services Department serves as the student’s advocate without violating confidentiality. The Student Services Department works with teachers to enhance the student’s learning environment.
Important Processes and Forms
The Student Services Department coordinates individual, group, and crisis management counseling services. Parents and students can use this form to request an appointment with their counselor or social worker. The counselor or social worker then schedules an appointment with the student.
Important Processes and Forms
The counseling department coordinates individual, group, and crisis management counseling services. Parents and students can use this form to request an appointment with their counselor. The counselor then schedules an appointment with the student.
Each student's needs are proactively evaluated based on the MTSS Framework. Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) refers to a systemic, prevention-focused framework for addressing student Social and Academic needs through the integration and continuous improvement of systems and services. Students are assessed and monitored to collect necessary data. Based on the collected data, the MTSS team makes educational decisions about the intensity and duration of interventions. Students receive interventions based on the following tiers:
- Tier I: Encompasses the entire school with core instructions and basic interventions such as core academic and SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) curriculum
- Tier II: Involves small groups, Office Hours with teachers, support from Student Services members, etc. Students receive extra assistance in meeting Social-Emotional and Academic goals
- Tier III: Students receive intensive Academic or Social-Emotional interventions on a one-on-one basis through IDEA support times or in small group direct instruction.
The goal of the Sophie Scholars Program is to provide structured support for our students with identified learning differences so that they are appropriately prepared to meet the demands of our challenging academic program. In doing so, the Sophie Scholars Program will provide students with the opportunity to acquire the learning strategies, organizational skills, study habits, executive functioning skills, and self-advocacy skills necessary to grow as confident learners in the general education classroom. Sophie Scholars are enrolled in their freshman year in the Foundations of Humanities and Mathematics course. The course is designed to develop, strengthen, and improve skills for positive academic performance and achievement. Admission to this program requires an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Documentation. If you believe your student is in need of additional support through an IEP or 504, please reach out to Student Services.
The Student Services Department at Josephinum Academy provides personalized college and career-planning guidance to help upperclassmen understand their options and to guide them through the necessary steps to determine - then achieve - their goals.
College Navigator is a tool used extensively during the college exploration process. Students and parents can access information on over 7000 colleges and universities in one place. Compare what majors are offered, cost of tuition, scholarships, admissions procedures, retention processes, and more, to help refine your college search.
Visit our College & Career Counseling page for more details and additional resources.