Counseling Department Overview by Grade

Welcome, 9th graders!  You’ve probably heard it a hundred times, but high school really is a new chapter, full of new people, new classes, and new challenges. I know it can feel like a lot right now, but I want to talk to you about an important resource on this journey: your school counselor.

As counselors, we're here to support you in every part of your high school experience. You won't just see us in our offices; we’ll be in your classes, too. Throughout the year, we’ll come into your Health class to lead lessons on DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), where you’ll learn skills for managing stress, navigating tough situations, and understanding your emotions. We'll also be in your other classes for discussions on career exploration, helping you start to think about what you might want to do after you graduate.

Beyond the classroom, we are excited to get to know each of you. We will be holding individualized meetings throughout the year. Think of these as a chance to check in, talk about how you’re doing, and plan for your future. As you get closer to the end of your freshman year, a big part of our meeting will be for scheduling your classes for 10th grade. We'll make sure you're on the right track and choosing courses that fit your interests and goals.

This year is an exciting one, full of all "new" things. Let's make it a great one together. Remember, no matter what you need, we are here to support you.

10th graders, Welcome back! It's great to have you here. You've officially left your 9th grade year behind, and with a year of high school under your belt, you're no longer the "newbies" on campus. This year will feel different—more confident, more exciting, and even more focused on the future.

This year kicks off with a smoother scheduling process, thanks to your experience. We counselors are making a point to be even more visible and accessible. We'll be visiting your classrooms and making appearances in places like the commons and cafeteria, so you know you can always stop us with a question or just say hello.

A big part of your year will be preparing for your future. This fall, you'll take the PSAT—it's great practice for the SAT and an important benchmark. You'll also continue your career exploration journey, culminating in a trip to the SWBOCES Career Day Conference, where you can see a variety of career paths firsthand. In the spring, you'll have the opportunity to take the PreACT, another valuable tool to help you prepare for college entrance exams.

As you settle into your role as 10th graders, we'll also be talking about what it means to be an upperclass student. We'll have conversations with both you and your families about the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being a role model in the school.

This is a year of growth and discovery. You've found your footing, and now it’s time to take the next steps. It's going to be a fantastic year.

Welcome, 11th graders! This year marks a significant shift in your high school journey. The conversations about your future will become more frequent and intentional, and we are excited to have them with you.

With the freedom of being an upperclassman comes more responsibility and more choices. Your course selections this year are crucial, as they directly impact your path after high school. We'll be here to support you in making those choices, especially as we dive into a year of significant post-secondary planning conversations. This is the year to think seriously about college, trade school, the military, or entering the workforce.

You'll also have a few key opportunities this year to help guide your decisions. This fall, you'll take the PSAT, which serves as excellent practice for the official SAT or ACT that most of you will take in the spring. As you prepare to become 12th graders, you'll also find more chances to take on leadership roles and serve as mentors for younger students.

We are here to support you every step of the way. We'll be visible throughout the school, so please stop and chat with us whenever you see us. In the winter, we will host our annual Post-Secondary Planning meetings to help you and your families create a clear plan for your future. As the year winds down, we’ll work together to set some goals to get you ready for a productive summer before your Senior year.

It's all an exciting part of the journey, and we're on board with you!

Welcome to your Senior year!  This is it—the final lap of your high school journey. This year is all about you and what comes next, and we're ready to jump in and get started.

To kick things off, we'll be hosting a series of large and small-group senior meetings. This is our chance to all get on the same page about the post-secondary process. We want to hear from you: What do you need to get there? What questions do you have? Whether it's college applications, military enlistment, or exploring career opportunities, we are here to support you every step of the way.

These conversations won't just happen at the start of the year; our post-secondary chats will continue all year long. We'll be there to help with essays, deadlines, and everything in between.

This is your year to shine, to lead, and to make it happen. We can't wait to celebrate all of your accomplishments with you at our Senior Send-Off in the spring.