PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of the Greenwich High School Guidance Department is based on the belief that every student is important and unique. Our work with each student reflects this philosophy and guides us in our role as student advocates.

The Guidance Department offers all students a variety of services. These services include both individual and group counseling, group guidance sessions and major Guidance Department programs. Counselors meet regularly with parents, teachers, administrators, college representatives and other key resource people who assist students in their education and development.

Getting to know students individually is the first step counselors take in guiding them through Greenwich High School. Our primary goal is to help students understand themselves so they will make informed decisions regarding their present and their future.

GRADE 9

EXPLORING GREENWICH HIGH SCHOOL

Individual Services

· Provide personal counseling

· Adjust schedules (fall and spring semesters)

· Monitor mid-quarter progress reports

· Review report cards at end of each quarter

· Monitor academic progress

· Review students’ current academic/extra curricular involvement.

· Determine course selection for grade 10 (February/March)

· Distribute schedules for 10th grade and make adjustments when necessary due to course failures and D4 grades

Group Programs

Freshman Orientation Seminars

· Explain guidance and appointment procedures

· Acquaint students with sources of school information (Daily Bulletin, College/Career Update, etc.)

· Familiarize students with extra-curricular activities

· Semester Exam Orientation

· Discuss importance of high school transcript

· Distribute and explain GHS Portfolio

· Begin self-assessment training

· Teach students when and where to seek appropriate help

Adolescent Support Groups

· Meet weekly to discuss academic performance, peer relations and adjustment to GHS

GRADE 10

EXPLORING RELATIONSHIPS

Individual Services

· Provide personal counseling

· Adjust schedules (fall and spring semesters)

· Monitor mid-quarter progress reports

· Review report cards at end of each quarter

· Explain PSAT testing

· Continue to monitor academic progress

· Determine course selection for grade 11 (February/March)

· Review credits for graduation

· Distribute schedules for 11th grade and make adjustments when necessary due to course failures and D4 grades

Group Programs

Sophomore Seminars

· Introduce students to the College and Career Center

· Interpret PSAT results

· Explain how to approach the College Night program

· Review extra-curricular activities

Pre-College Night Program

· Present a panel of experienced college admissions representatives to orient students and parents to the college admissions process.

College Night

· Host a college fair with 250-300 colleges

Career Exploration Seminars

· Provide experience in using the College and Career Center

• Career Panels

• Career Ability Placement Survey

Adolescent Support Groups

· Meet weekly to discuss academic performance, peer relations and adolescent issues.

GRADE 11

EXPLORING THE FUTURE

Individual Services

· Provide personal counseling

· Adjust schedules (fall and spring semesters)

· Monitor mid-quarter progress reports

· Review report cards at end of each quarter

· Discuss and interpret PSAT results

· Continue to monitor academic progress

· Determine course selection for grade 12 (February/March)

· Review credits for graduation

· Explain SAT, SAT Subject and ACT tests

· Meet with each junior and his/her parents to discuss post-high school plans (April/May)

· Distribute schedules for 12th grade and make adjustments when necessary due to course failures and D4 grades

Group Programs

Fall Junior Seminars

· Notify students of PSAT registration

· Review transcript and school records

· Review resources of the College and Career Center

· Explain how to approach the College Night program

Pre-College Night Program

· Present a panel of experienced college admissions representatives to orient students and parents to the college admissions process.

College Night

· Host a college fair with 250-300 colleges

College/Career Kick-Off Meeting

· Officially begin the college admissions process for juniors

Spring Junior Seminars

· Prepare students for the campus visit/interview

· Have seniors share their experiences during the college search

Adolescent Support Groups

· Meet weekly to discuss academic performance, peer relations and adolescent issues.

 

GRADE 12

EXPLORING GRADUATION AND BEYOND

Individual Services

· Provide personal counseling

· Adjust schedules (fall and spring semesters)

· Monitor mid-quarter progress reports

· Review report cards at end of each quarter

· Meet with college-bound students to refine college list

· Meet with non-college bound students to continue to plan for post-high school options

· Prepare and write letters of recommendation

· Process applications

· Meet with each student to finalize post high school plans

· Send final report cards and graduation certificates to colleges

Group Programs

Senior Breakfast Meetings

· Review Senior packet

· Remind students of SAT I and SAT II test dates

· Announce dates of College Night programs.

· Review application procedures, e.g., transcript requests, teacher recommendations

College Admissions Panel Program

· Present a panel of experienced college admissions representatives to orient students and parents to the college admissions process.

College Night

· Host a college fair with 250-300 colleges

Alumni Return Day

· Present a panel of GHS alumni to share their freshman year insights

Financial Aid Workshops

Present speakers to help parents and students better understand the availability of financial aid and the completion of financial aid forms

Adolescent Support Groups

· Meet weekly to discuss academic performance, peer relations and adjustment to GHS

Senior Internship Program

· Five week, full-time internships are available during the last marking period, May - June .