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Martha Burke, St. Agnes K-8 Counselor

Martha Burke, St. Agnes K-8 Counselor

What do you enjoy about working at St. Agnes-St. Dominic?

In a word, the people!  The girls at St. Agnes are full of life, energy, and a thirst for knowledge.  They come to school ready to learn, to be challenged, and to grow.  Their positive zeal is contagious, pushing me to take healthy risks inside and outside of the classroom.  For example, I might try a different type of lesson with the girls or a new activity within the curriculum that I deliver.  In addition, I am surrounded by driven, hardworking, and like-minded professionals who expect excellence and make work fun!

How do the Dominican Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community and Service inspire life at SAA-SDS?

The Dominican pillars permeate all that we do and all who we are at SAA-SDS.  They are seen in our actions towards one another.  They are heard in the words that we speak to each other. They are felt in how we welcome others into our community, with open arms, in a prayerful way that is designed to serve God and others in all that we do.

Describe some of the counseling programs you have started for the girls and how they are impacting the students? 

I have started a comprehensive school-counseling program that runs from Grades 1-8.  Through regular large group guidance lessons, I form relationships with students and teach them skills to help them manage life.  In grades 1-3 we focus on naming and expressing emotions.  In grades 4-5 we focus on yoga and mindfulness And, in grade 6-8 we set goals, establish strong study skills, discuss values, and focus on future careers/problems to solve.  

Student needs drive small groups that I lead throughout the year.  Last year, we had groups that focused on building friendships, study and time management, and managing test anxiety.  We are launching a new Home program for our Junior High students that focus on being successful in the Junior High!  I am open to all feedback and have the flexibility to adjust our program to meet the ever-changing needs of our students.

What are some of the activities that instill sisterhood at St. Agnes? 

We are intentional about developing a sense of sisterhood among our students.  In October, we celebrate Sisterhood with a week of activities.  Girls are paired with a Big Sister or a Little Sister and participate in a variety of events. Younger girls travel off campus to experience something new together, like a trip to the zoo. The Junior High girls stay on campus and participate in a day of fun!  From costume contests to dance competitions and "Minute to win it" games, it is a blast! To continue building the bonds of sisterhood, students eat lunch weekly with their big sisters throughout the year.  The junior high girls met off campus one night for a dinner at Salsa, just for fun! 

How does the all-girl environment  benefit the students?

The single-gender classroom environment on a co-ed campus for K-6th grade is an ideal way for girls to learn and develop. Girls feel more comfortable and are more apt to take healthy risks in the classroom when surrounded by other girls. For example, a student may be more likely to raise her hand and ask a question she is not sure about asking. The counseling program we have in place at SAA continues to develop the academic, personal/social, and career-oriented goals of our girls. Plus, we have a great time decorating and making things feel like home!

What is your favorite SAA tradition? 

 My favorite SAA tradition is Sisterhood week!  I am able to listen to our SGA student leaders and help them develop and deliver a fabulous week of bonding activities.  

Favorite Authors? 

This is a difficult question!  Some of my favorites include Henry David Thoreau, Malcolm Gladwell, Brene Brown and Harper Lee.

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