Student Wellbeing & Support Services

We believe in educating the whole child, and based on current research, we know that kids who don’t feel a sense of wellbeing, or belonging in our community, can’t learn. That means that student wellbeing and belonging must be a central focus of everything that we do at ISP.

We are committed to:

Supporting each learner’s full potential.

Fostering belonging, identity, and dignity.

Providing integrated services to meet academic, social, emotional, and personal needs.

Student Support Services

The Department of Student Services is dedicated to creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment where every student is empowered to embrace challenges, think critically, and thrive.

Celebrating diversity as a strength, we believe it enriches learning and contributes to a more inclusive community. Every learner, regardless of their background or profile, deserves a respectful, challenging, and fulfilling educational experience.

We foster self-advocacy through growth mindsets and encourage curiosity, collaboration, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. By providing individualized support, we ensure each learner feels valued and inspired on their unique journey.

Neurodiversity at ISP: Committed to inclusive education

At the International School of Panama, our mission is to inspire and challenge every learner to be curious, independent, and compassionate citizens of the world. Integral to this mission is our dedication to embracing neurodiversity.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

Tier 1
For all Learners

Universally designed curriculum that provides multiple pathways to demonstrate mastery and access for all learners.

Tier 2
Increased support

Universally designed curriculum + targeted small group instruction for academics and/or language acquisition and/or additional social or emotional support.

Tier 3
Targeted and Individualized Support

Universally designed curriculum + targeted small group and individualized support

Types of Support per Division

Division

Supports

Early Childhood and Elementary School

Academic Intervention and Support
Inclusion Program
English as an Additional Language
Social-emotional Counseling
Speech (Third-party on-site provider at cost to parents)
Occupational Therapy (Third-party on-site provider at cost to parents)

Middle School

High School

English as an Additional Language

Students will receive English as an Additional Language instructional support if their performance in the classroom and language proficiency test indicates that they need more English language services.

How do we serve our students?

Learning Support

The Learning Support program provides services to students with diagnosed mild to moderate learning or behavioral needs, enabling them to access grade-level content. The Learning Support services encompass cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development

How do we serve our students?

Inclusion Program (Tier 3+)

For students requiring specialized, full- or part-time support to access learning and community participation.

Program Features:

Specialized academic and adaptive support
Individualized programming by a lead teacher and aide, co-planned with general education teachers
Focus on independence, behavior, social skills, and functional life skills
Participation in homeroom and ISP life to the greatest extent possible

External Supports Available on Campus

Student Wellbeing

At ISP, student wellbeing is a whole-school commitment. We are constantly evaluating and improving the systems that support our learners. We use a range of tools to understand how students are doing, including the annual ISM survey and student surveys completed by teachers as part of our professional growth model.

In addition, teachers are trained to recognize early signs of social or emotional struggles, including potential abuse. Our team of counselors follows a Comprehensive School Counseling Model that places student well-being at the center, providing support that is proactive, responsive, and developmentally appropriate.

Fostering a sense of wellbeing takes the entire community working together.

Social Emotional Learning

ISP is developing a comprehensive PreK-12 Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, seamlessly integrated with academic learning. This initiative equips students with essential life skills, fostering emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and conflict resolution as they grow.

Key aspects of the program include:

Emotional regulation and self-expression to navigate challenges with confidence.
Recognizing personal and collective strengths to build a supportive community.
Decision-making and problem-solving skills that promote autonomy and responsibility.
Building healthy relationships with peers and adults through empathy and respect.
Fostering inclusivity, kindness, and social awareness to create a welcoming environment.

The SEL curriculum evolves from early childhood through graduation, ensuring students are prepared to face challenges beyond ISP and Panama with resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Counseling Team

At ISP, our counselors advocate for and support students, families, and staff through a comprehensive program that integrates social-emotional learning, academic guidance, and college/career planning. Their work fosters a safe, nurturing environment where every student can thrive and develop as an engaged global citizen.

Our approach:

Holistic student support, ensuring well-being across social-emotional, academic, and career pathways.
Culturally responsive counseling, tailored to our diverse international community.
Individualized attention, with each student assigned to a dedicated counselor.
A structured foundation for our social-emotional learning curriculum and “best fit” approach.

Our team consists of eight dedicated counselors, including six social-emotional/academic counselors and two college and career counselors, working collaboratively to guide students at every stage of their journey.

Social Emotional & Academic Counselors

Counseling Services

Developmentally appropriate group instruction in academic, social-emotional, and career/college skills
Coordination of school-wide programs (e.g., Wellness Week) and transition support for students and families
Short-term individual and small group support services, including crisis intervention and child protection
Parent education, consultation with families/staff, and referrals to community-based specialists
Academic advising and participation in Student Support Teams (SST) for academic/behavioral support
Coordination of student voice and ambassador programs

College & Carreer Counselors

At ISP, our College & Career Counselors guide students in exploring their strengths, setting goals, and preparing for life after school, whether in higher education or other pathways.

Our approach:

Personalized guidance to help each student find their best-fit post-secondary option.
Strong emphasis on self-awareness, decision-making, and future planning.
Global perspective aligned with the needs of our international community.

Our two College & Career Counselors work closely with students, families, and staff to support informed, confident choices for the future.

Jennifer Tassell

Head of College & Career Counselor

Jocelynn Trage

College & Career Counselor

Counseling Services

Helping students identify strengths, interests, and career paths through assessments and counseling.
Hosting events like Career Day and College Kickoff Retreat to prepare students for post-high school life.
Guiding families in exploring financial support opportunities for higher education.
Collaborating with local businesses and organizations to provide hands-on experiences and internship opportunities for students.
Assisting students with essays, requirements, and deadlines for global university applications.
Ensuring students meet academic requirements for ISP, MEDUCA, IB, or IED diplomas.
Coordinating visits and fairs like Ocean 2 Ocean to connect students with universities.
Engaging parents through meetings and workshops to help support their children’s goals.

At ISP, our graduates are leaving their mark at universities worldwide, unlocking endless opportunities.

Belonging Goals & Initiatives

Our goals

Develop belonging charter and policies.

Promote a culture of respect and belonging by addressing bullying and identity-based harm through student coalition as well as ongoing stakeholder education.

Enhance community amongst ISP employees, including adult Social Emotional Learning frameworks.

In order to achieve these goals, we have conducted extensive research and analysis with the support of our partners. We have successfully surveyed all stakeholders in our community and completed over 30 focus groups to gain a comprehensive understanding of the particular needs of our school.

This is a continuous work that is vital for the well-being of our community and that entails a vast number of initiatives.

Partners

We have partnered with experts to assist us in the ongoing and extensive work of fostering a sense of belonging and dignity in our school community:

Bell to Bell No Cell Program

As part of our strategy to continue to improve our campus’ climate and foster a greater sense of belonging rooted in dignity, ISP made the decision to implement a Bell-to-Bell No Cell Program starting in April 2024.

This program uses Yondr pouches to block mobile phone access, promoting focus and reducing distractions.
It aligns with the school’s priority of supporting emotional well-being, addressing bullying, and fostering a positive experience.

Smartphone use has been proven to have a direct negative impact on students’ mental health, learning, behavior in class, ability to focus, relationships, and sense of belonging.

The Bell to Bell No Cell program provides an opportunity to focus on belonging, learning, connections and relationships. It allows students to Be Here Now

saw a change in student engagement

0 %

saw a positive change in student behavior

0 %

saw a positive change in academic performance

0 %

saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness.

0 %

*Results of recent surveys from schools that have implemented a no-cellphone program using Yondr pouches

Child Protection

At ISP, the safety, and well-being of our students are our top priorities. Through ongoing training for staff and partnerships with leading child protection experts, we uphold the highest standards to safeguard every student in our care.

Our child protection policy reflects our commitment to creating a secure and nurturing environment. It aims to empower students, families, and staff in matters related to health, safety, and care of children at our school. It outlines the proper definitions of child abuse and the reporting procedures, as well as the roles and primary responsibilities of the Child Protection Team.

Certification & Initiatives

We are a Child Safeguarding Recognized school, dedicated to ensuring a safe and supportive environment where all students are protected, respected, and empowered to thrive.

All staff and vendors complete child protection awareness training on abuse prevention.
Key team members, such as counselors and coaches, receive more in-depth child protection training.
Led by a Designated Safeguarding Lead, the team meets regularly to address reports, conduct audits, and coordinate staff training.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead engages in a global network for professional development and best practices.
We collaborate with Rosalind Wiseman, who specializes in bullying prevention and Susie March, an expert on sex education and child protection.
Counselors act as safe spaces and are responsible for reporting any safety concerns, with students aware of this.