Dear Middle School Parents and Families,
Welcome to a new school year at Saint Leo the Great School! I am Shauna Moran, LSW, and I am very happy to continue serving as our Middle School Counselor for the 2026–2027 school year. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is getting to know our students and families and helping our Lions feel supported as they navigate the academic, social, and emotional changes that come with the middle school years.
My goal is to help create a school environment where students feel safe, connected, confident, and prepared to succeed. Throughout the year, I work closely with students, parents, teachers, and staff to provide support in a variety of ways—from individual student check-ins and small-group support to classroom lessons, academic assistance, and school-wide character education initiatives.
Character Education & CharacterStrong
As part of my role, I oversee our school’s Character Education Plan and work with our faculty to incorporate character development into the everyday school experience.
Our Middle School students will continue participating in the CharacterStrong program this year. The program provides meaningful, age-appropriate opportunities for students to explore topics related to character, relationships, decision-making, and personal growth. We have received very positive feedback from both students and teachers, and I look forward to continuing to build upon the program this year.
Social-Emotional Learning & Executive Functioning
Throughout the school year, I will also visit classrooms for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Executive Functioning lessons. These lessons give students practical tools they can use both inside and outside of the classroom while strengthening skills such as:
- Cooperation and teamwork
- Confidence
- Responsibility
- Empathy
- Conflict resolution
- Self-control
As the academic demands of Middle School increase, we will also focus on important executive functioning skills, including organization, time management, planning, study strategies, and personal accountability. My hope is to help students gradually develop the independence and habits they will need as they prepare for high school and beyond.
Middle School Counseling Electives
I am excited to once again offer two counseling-based electives:
6th Grade – Friendship Builders: From Conflict to Connection
This course gives students an opportunity to explore what healthy friendships look like while strengthening communication and conflict-resolution skills. Through discussions, role-playing, reflection, and real-life scenarios, students practice handling some of the friendship challenges that naturally arise during the middle school years.
7th Grade – LionStrong
LionStrong focuses on mental wellness awareness, coping skills, resilience, and self-awareness. Using journaling, creative activities, student projects, and themes inspired by Inside Out, students explore emotions, stress, coping strategies, and the many changes that accompany adolescence.
Academic Drop-In
Our Academic Drop-In Program will also continue this school year. Beginning in October, Monday through Friday, Middle School students may join me in Room 201 during their lunch/recess block when they need additional academic support.
Academic Drop-In may be helpful for students who have missing assignments or assessments, are feeling overwhelmed by their workload, or need extra guidance with organization, planning, studying, or time management. The goal is to provide a structured and supportive environment where students can get themselves back on track and strengthen their academic habits. It is not intended to replace lunch/recess on a regular basis or serve as a social space.
Supporting Your Child
Most importantly, I want both students and parents to know that my door is always open. Middle school can bring exciting growth along with new academic pressures, changing friendships, increased independence, and plenty of ups and downs. Students are always welcome to reach out when they need someone to talk to, help working through a concern, or simply some additional support.
Parents are also encouraged to contact me whenever a concern arises or when there is information that may help us better support your child at school. You can reach me by email at [email protected], by phone at 732-741-3133 x203.
I am looking forward to another wonderful year with our Saint Leo’s Lions and to partnering with you as we help our students become kind, resilient, responsible, and confident young people.
Wishing all of our families a happy and successful 2026–2027 school year!
Warmly,
Shauna Moran, LSW
Middle School Counselor
Saint Leo the Great School