Admission

Beyond School

Beyond School

Center for Belonging

At St. James’, every child is known, supported, and loved. Because children (and adults alike) have moments that feel overwhelming, the Center for Belonging provides a safe space where students can go when time is needed to reflect, regain equilibrium before moving forward, navigate big feelings, and socialize with like-minded peers.

The Center for Belonging is an integral part of St. James’ culture in which emotions are acknowledged with kindness and respect. Run by the Dean of Students and Belonging, it is a place that helps children develop a sense of self-worth and resilience as well as positive relationships and compassion for others.

Our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.

— B. Brown

How does it work?

Open throughout the school day, the Center for Belonging is a popular destination for students who are looking for an option away from the field and black top during recess and lunch. It also serves as a resource for teachers who may need to direct a student to the Dean of Students, who is based in the Center for Belonging, in order to minimize classroom disruption.

The space inside the Center for Belonging has been thoughtfully designed to offer different areas based on a child’s needs. Its’ universal design principles welcome all students, reflecting the diverse racial, ethnic, gender, and neurodiverse makeup of our student body. The touch sensory lights and floor dots for brain break hopscotch help an overstimulated child to calm their senses while other spaces provide art supplies, drums, spin chairs, egg chairs, blankets, pillows and a reading nook.

RULER - A self-awareness tool

The Center for Belonging incorporates aspects of an approach to social-emotional learning known as RULER, a tool for self-awareness and self-regulation developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Created for the preK-12 school level, RULER stands for Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions, the primary elements of emotional intelligence. Learning how to recognize, express, and move between such feelings is a skill that enables students and teachers to maintain the positive emotional atmosphere that is necessary for engaged learning and for all aspects of a child’s growth.

Recognizing emotions in oneself and others

Understanding the causes and consequences of emotions

Labeling emotions with a nuanced vocabulary

Expressing emotions in accordance with cultural norms and social context

Regulating emotions with helpful strategies

What does belonging look, feel, and sound like for you?

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About St. James'

Admission

Our Values

Academics

Beyond School

Community

Giving

Laura petersen

Preschool Director

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
B.A. in Administration

Pasadena City College
Child Development 

Certificates/Recognition

Responsive Classroom, Child Care Center Application, Outdoor Classroom

Laura is an experienced educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in education. Throughout her career, Laura has worked with children and families across a variety of educational settings, with a particular passion for creating nurturing, engaging, and supportive environments where children can thrive. Prior to joining St. James’, Laura served as the Director of a private school in Pasadena serving children from infancy through sixth grade. She also spent 12 years at Saint Mark’s Episcopal School in Altadena, where she developed a deep understanding of the importance of strong relationships between educators, children, and families.

Laura holds a degree in Business Administration, but has always had a passion for early childhood education.  Laura believes children learn best when they feel safe, valued, encouraged, and genuinely known. Her approach to leadership centers on creating a warm and welcoming school community while supporting teachers in providing meaningful experiences for every child. Outside of her professional life, Laura is a proud mother of two children. She has also opened her home as a foster parent to multiple children, an experience that has strengthened her understanding of the individual needs, experiences, and strengths every child brings with them. Laura  is honored to serve as Preschool Director and looks forward to partnering with families to create a joyful, supportive, and enriching foundation for each child’s educational journey.