Grade 9 – 12

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING DEPARTMENT 

Department Philosophy

The Guidance and Counseling Department seeks to focus on the holistic growth of each student in four specific areas - personal development (spiritual, emotional, physical, and aesthetic), academic progress, college selection, and career choice - within an atmosphere of mutual trust, reinforcement, and caring. The department further seeks to improve the quality of parent-child relationships by helping to close the "generation gap" through an approach which emphasizes both the right of the parent to be himself or herself and the right of the child to be herself.

Department Goals

The counselors work directly with the students in individual conferences or small group sessions. These meetings attempt to foster positive self-image, spiritual and emotional growth, and self-motivation and to help students determine personal, academic, and career goals. The program assists the students in learning self-assessment and decision-making skills. To ensure that the needs of all students are met, all members of the professional staff assist the department in establishing the one-to-one relationship with students.

Department Staff

Mrs. Maureen T. O'Rourke, Director and Counselor for  Grades 10, 11, 12
Ms. Meghan Norton,  Counselor for Grades 7, 8, 9  

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PROGRAM DETAILS

In keeping with the philosophy of the department, the approach on each grade level emphasizes personal development and academic progress. Particular focus is given to the spiritual, emotional, physical, aesthetic, and intellectual development of each student. Some common issues addressed on the various levels are the following:

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
     Academic Achievement
     Self-Esteem Development
     Relationships
     Eating Disorders
     Substance Abuse
     Body Image
     Goal Development and Attainment
     Grieving and Loss
     Depression
     Stress Management
     College and Career Counseling
     Course Selection

HOW THESE ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED, GRADES 9, 10, AND 11

On the ninth, tenth and eleventh grade levels, students meet with their counselor individually, in small groups, and as a class for general information purposes. These meetings provide opportunities for discussion of issues related to the student's progress and development, both academic and social.
Throughout the year, the counselor monitors each student's academic progress. This is done through on-going communication with teachers and parents, participation in quarterly grade level meetings, review of progress reports, and review of bi-weekly updates provided to parents/guardians when requested. The counselor often makes recommendations for tutoring in specific subject areas and provides referrals to parents when needed or requested.

During the third quarter, the counselor meets with each student regarding course selection for the next year. In the area of career exploration, tenth grade students take the PLAN test and review their results individually with their counselor. Students can also participate in the Career Club moderated by the counselor.

The counselor also communicates with parents whenever necessary. If the counselor and/or parent feel that a student would benefit from long-term counseling, the necessary referrals are made.

HOW THESE ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED, GRADE 12

On the twelfth grade level, students meet with their counselor individually, in small groups, and as a class for general information purposes or presentations. The counselor also has a meeting in the spring of junior year or in the fall of senior year with each student and her parent/guardian to provide guidance and direction in choosing the most appropriate college.

For purposes of college selection and placement, the counselor maintains strong communication with college admissions officers and invites approximately fifty college representatives each fall to meet one-on-one or in small groups with potential senior candidates.

In the area of career exploration, the counselor meets with each senior in an advising capacity offering possible career alternatives and suggestions for corresponding academic programs.

Throughout the year, the counselor monitors each student's academic progress. This is done through on-going communication with teachers and parents, participation in quarterly grade level meetings, review of progress reports, and review of bi-weekly updates provided to parents/guardians when needed. The counselor often makes recommendations for tutoring in specific subject areas and provides referrals to parents when needed or requested.

The counselor also communicates with parents whenever necessary. If the counselor and/or parent feel that a student would benefit from long-term counseling, the necessary referrals are made.