Welcome to WHS! Counselors are excited to get to know you over the coming weeks and months, but until then, here is some important information.

Every student is assigned a school counselor who will stay with them for all four years of high school. We hope students will see counselors as their “go-to” people. Whether it’s helping students directly or connecting them with resources in and out of school, counselors are the primary point of contact in your child’s high school journey. Counselors support students with course selection and academic advising, future planning (self-discovery and career exploration, post-secondary planning), and their social-emotional needs. We tend to get very busy in the Counseling Office - especially during the first few months of school - but don’t get discouraged if we’re not available when you swing by. Send us an email or schedule some time to meet with us through our administrative assistant, Mrs. Mulkern - we will always work to get you on our calendars as soon as possible!

For students requiring additional mental health support, we also have three fantastic adjustment counselors on staff: James Chiarelli (Transitions Program Counselor/Adjustment Counselor), Latoya Downes-Steinbrink (Student Support Counselor), and Hannah Rubio (ALRT Adjustment Counselor). We also have a new Youth Wellness Coach: a “near-peer” who supports students struggling with substance use/abuse and other mental health challenges.

Counselors will start getting to know you during 9th Grade Seminars (this class should be on your schedule once per cycle for the first semester, but please reach out if it isn’t). We will discuss topics like the schedule, course requirements, freedom and responsibility, study halls, getting involved, accessing resources, and a whole host of other topics aimed at facilitating your transition to high school. We strive to place students in seminars with their own counselors, but unfortunately, we cannot make it work 100% of the time. In these cases, we encourage you to reach out to your counselor as soon as possible to start developing rapport.

We encourage students and families to engage with our department throughout the school year. We are here to listen, answer your questions, and collaborate with you as you chart a path toward a successful and fulfilling future. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming webinars, seminars, and other events/resources designed to facilitate your high school experience (Parents/Caregivers: please check out our weekly Counselors’ Corner E-news). In addition to our Counselors’ Corner weekly updates, I will periodically send emails directly to students and families. Finally, we hope this FAQ Guide will answer many of the questions we know you will have.

I know the high school can seem like a big and confusing place, but your counselor is always here to help if you need anything, so don't be shy about reaching out. We look forward to getting to know you all over the coming months!