Support Services at OES
Oregon Episcopal School is the context within which children, pre-K through 12th grade, grow and learn. Given the profound transformation that takes place during these developing years and the excitement and rigor of the OES academic life, support services are both a necessary and natural part of the school's program. Focusing on the well-being of students, OES Support Services aims to provide consistent, predictable support to students, families, and faculty/staff as we work together to build a strong community where children flourish.
The multifaceted program emphasizes student strengths and affinities in the belief that each of us is most successful in overcoming challenges by utilizing the talents and interests we already possess. Empowering students, through a variety of developmentally appropriate means, allows for active student involvement in the process of managing difficulties as they arise. Such involvement directly addresses two major goals:
- moving students to see themselves as capable problem-solvers, and
- promoting self-understanding pertaining to relationships, values, faith, ethics, learning styles, and organizational skills.
Support Services staff in each division works flexibly with a wide array of tools and strategies that can be adapted to assist students in need. Support Services staff in all divisions are comprised of the head chaplain, director of counseling, counselor(s) for the division, chaplain for the division, and the nurse. The program requires collaboration across constituencies relying on clear, regular communication between teachers, students, parents, advisors, coaches, administrators, counselors, the nurse, chaplains, and outside professionals. The web of observations, experience, creativity, and care provides a strong safety net as well as invaluable opportunities to find meaningful strategies and solutions for our children.
