Student Support

Relationships are at the core of a successful learning community

Through the implementation of the Caring School Community program, A. Fantis students learn to foster warm and caring relationships staff, families and each other. This is possible by spending time each day to better know and appreciate each other, including interests, opinions and ideas. Students develop the skills and dispositions needed to interact positively and constructively with others by building caring relationships, direct instruction of social skills, and establishing a calm and positive learning environment.

Social-Emotional Learning: Our Approach

School-Wide

Partnering with Families
Ongoing communication about classroom events and student progress
Intentionally building relationships between all stakeholders
Ongoing Reflection
One-on-one conferences, Individual and class assessments
Climate surveys
School Discipline
Positive and proactive school-wide approach with tiered interventions
Focus on how to repair and learn from inevitable mistakes

Early Childhood

Daily morning meeting and closing circle
Cooperative learning structures, such as “Turn to Your Partner”
Developing Relationships beyond the classroom with Middle School Book Buddies
Teachable Moments include empathy, responsible decisions, and overcoming fear

Primary School

Daily morning meeting and closing circle
Weekly random pairing of students and class meetings
Cooperative learning structures, such as “Turn to Your Partner”
Developing Relationships beyond the classroom with younger buddies
Topics include team-building activities, character building, bullying and resolving conflicts

Middle School

Daily advisory meetings with homeroom teacher
Weekly one-on-one conferences with supportive staff
Topics include positive school experiences, welcoming new students and peer pressure
Service learning includes Middle School Book Buddies and other volunteer events

School Counselor

Ms. Kara Poulon, Fantis ‘05, has a M.S.Ed. in School Counseling and a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development with a minor in Education. Ms. Kara has nearly a decade of experience working with children, including as a school counselor, mentor and teacher. As school counselor, Ms. Kara’s main roles are to coordinate our social-emotional learning (SEL) program and to serve the social and emotional needs of students so they can be prepared for the academic rigor. This can include: identifying issues affecting school performance; addressing social or behavioral problems; helping students develop skills needed for academic success; counseling individuals and small groups; assessing students’ abilities and interests; and helping students achieve academic or career goals.

Ms. Kara also serves as High School Coordinator for middle school students and families. Part of this critical role includes: scheduling individual high school family meetings; leading grade level high school meetings and Roundtables; providing application assistance, including test prep options; and providing key insights for families on selecting the best high schools.

Special Education Coordinator

Ayleen Acevedo, M.S.Ed., is the Special Education Coordinator at A. Fantis School, bringing more than a decade of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Binghamton University and a Master’s degree in Teaching Students with Disabilities from The City College of New York. Since 2013, Ayleen has worked in school settings supporting students with a wide range of learning needs. Prior to stepping into her current role, she served as a SETSS provider at A. Fantis, giving her a unique perspective on the school community, its students, and the importance of individualized support.

Ayleen believes that strong relationships are at the heart of effective education. She works closely with students, families, teachers, and service providers to understand each student’s strengths and needs and to find practical, individualized solutions that help them grow academically and personally. Her approach combines a strong foundation in special education with a genuine understanding of how children learn, allowing her to identify gaps, build trust, and help students develop meaningful understanding and confidence. A bilingual English and Spanish speaker, Ayleen values open communication and collaboration with families and is excited to continue growing alongside the A. Fantis community, including learning more about the Greek language and culture that are such an important part of the school.

School Psychologist

Lisa Dubinsky, Psy.D., is the consulting school psychologist for A. Fantis School. Dr. Dubinsky is a clinical psychologist who has been working with children and their families for nearly 30 years. She is on the faculty of the Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy Training Program and The Parent Center at the William Alanson White Institute. She has been a consultant to various schools for 25 years and a psychotherapist with children, adolescents and adults for 30 years.

Dr. Dubinsky is available to students, teachers and families of A. Fantis throughout the year in a variety of contexts. Supports include consulting with teachers; observing classrooms and school life; and talking individually to parents and/or students upon request. Dr. Dubisky also leads parent workshops on a variety of topics, including: Setting Limits & Feeling Good About It; Talking to Young Children about Difficult Topics; and Helping Children with Transitions and Change.