Friendzy

Promoting Social and Emotional Learning with Friendzy! Helping students encounter Christ’s love daily is at the heart of everything we do here at St. Margaret Mary Catholic School. It is an incredible gift that we get to weave our Catholic faith into all that we do and teach! As part of our dedication to meet the unique needs of each individual student spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially, we are thrilled to introduce you to our newest guidance program addition, Friendzy. The Friendzy program teaches friendship skills and emotional intelligence through the lens of Scripture with a focus on cultivating a safe and Christ-centered school community. The Friendzy program supports the following areas of students learning:

Understanding of Christ-like living and healthy relationship skills
Development of self-confidence, emotional recognition and strengths identification
Self-management skills including understanding and managing behaviors, goal setting, stress management and perseverance
Making responsible decisions that align with Scripture and Catholic values
Practicing empathy, perspective taking and kindness with peers
Communication skills, conflict resolution and teamwork

Every month students in pre-K through fifth grade will learn a new Friendship focused catchphrase anchored by scripture. Lessons will be taught by me, your school counselor. Students will learn together through engaging lessons, conversations, reflective activities and prayer. Lessons are explicitly taught a couple of times a month, with themes and scripture woven through daily encounters. Students in Grades K-5 even receive their very own workbook!

Here are a few ways that you might notice a Friendzy difference on our campus:

A safer, friendlier and more Christ-centered campus environment for all students
Academic improvement as students feel increased belonging and master new skills like resilience, a growth mindset, and goal setting
Monthly friendship focused themes shared on our bulletin boards, on social media, and in parent newsletters
Monthly letters introducing the theme and how to engage students at home and strengthen their newly formed skills
Monthly conversation starters that help you continue the conversation surrounding monthly themes
Student activity books with coloring, activities, and prayer prompts sent home

We hope that you feel an increased sense of community this year with the help of Friendzy. Thank you for loving your children well and entrusting us with their care through the school year!