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The Counseling Department is staffed by three counselors and one full time clerk. An annual plan is developed listing the services provided for students, parents, teachers and the community. The plan is approved by the Board of Education and is available for review upon request.

Who is a School Counselor?

• A New York State certified, specially educated caring person
• A school person who provides guidance to all students
• A resource person
• A coordinator
• A consultant
• A group facilitator
• A teacher
• A person who helps teachers, parents, students and administrators

What does a School Counselor Do?

• Helps work with individuals and groups
• Helps identify needs of students
• Encourages better inter-personal relationships

What is the purpose of individual counseling group meetings and classroom guidance?

• To help students develop self-understanding and self-awareness
• To build self-confidence and self-esteem
• To encourage students to recognize and make the best use of their capabilities
• To provide opportunities for students to feel successful
• To give students an opportunity to talk about educational and personal social concerns
• To encourage students to recognize, understand and work through learning difficulties
• To help students better adjust to school and home environments
• To develop students’ awareness of the world of work
• To teach students the decision-making/problem solving process
• To help students think about options for post-secondary education
• To help students apply to colleges or for jobs
• To keep students informed about employment trends

A handbook for students is published annually (please see link below) and distributed at the beginning of the school year and to all new students. Students should become familiar with the guidance information included in the handbook on the following subjects:

• Diploma Classification
• Grading Policy
• Honor Roll and Ranking
• Acceleration Program
• Scheduling

For more information, please contact: 
Lynne Jenkins, Director of Guidance/High School Counselor
Sayde Whitman, High School Counselor
Christopher Castrio, Middle School Counselor
Chandice Bills, Guidance Secretary

ADDITIONAL COUNSELING SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS:
Emily Lemieux, K-12 School Psychologist
Kerry Giumarra, 6-12 School Social Worker
Ann Carpenter and Shayna Paradis, K-5 School Social Workers