Guidance and Counseling Services

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#0000BF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Guidance and Counseling Department</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="http://www.newfairfieldschools.org/highschool" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.newfairfieldschools.org/highs"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <B>Guidance and Counseling Services</B>   |   <A HREF="counselor_responsibilities.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What Are Your Counselors Currently Doing"><U>What Are Your Counselors Currently Doing?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="important_dates_to_remember.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Important Dates to Remember"><U>Important Dates to Remember</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id59.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer Opportunities"><U>Summer Opportunities</U></A>   |   <A HREF="standardized_testing.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Standardized Testing"><U>Standardized Testing</U></A>   |   <A HREF="graduation_requirements.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Graduation Requirements"><U>Graduation Requirements</U></A>   |   <A HREF="parent_guide_grade_by_grade.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Parent Guide GradebyGrade"><U>Parent Guide Grade-by-Grade</U></A>   |   <A HREF="school_profile.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="School Profile"><U>School Profile</U></A>   |   <A HREF="ccc.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The College and Career Center"><U>The College and Career Center</U></A>   |   <A HREF="_scholarship_postings.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Scholarship Postings"><U> Scholarship Postings</U></A>   |   <A HREF="counseling_resources.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Counseling Resources"><U>Counseling Resources</U></A>   |   <A HREF="program_of_studies.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Program of Studies"><U>Program of Studies</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id58.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Special Programs"><U>Special Programs</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FF0033" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Guidance and Counseling Department"><U><B>Guidance Department Welcome</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="guidance_and_counseling_services.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Guidance and Counseling Services"><U><B>Guidance and Counseling Services</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="counselor_responsibilities.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What Are Your Counselors Currently Doing"><U><B>What Are Your Counselors Currently Doing?</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="important_dates_to_remember.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Important Dates to Remember"><U><B>Dates to Remember</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="standardized_testing.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Standardized Testing"><U><B>Standardized Testing Information</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="graduation_requirements.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Graduation Requirements"><U><B>Graduation Requirements</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="parent_guide_grade_by_grade.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Parent Guide GradebyGrade"><U><B>Parent Guide </B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="parent_guide_grade_by_grade.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Parent Guide GradebyGrade"><U><B>Grade-by Grade</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="program_of_studies.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Program of Studies"><U><B>Program of Studies</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="special_programs"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id58.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Special Programs"><U><B>Special Programs</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="school_profile.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="School Profile"><U><B>Our School Profile</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="ccc.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The College and Career Center"><U><B>College and Career Center</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="_scholarship_postings.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Scholarship Postings"><U><B>Scholarships</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id59.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer Opportunities"><U><B>Summer Opportunities</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="counseling_resources.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Counseling Resources"><U><B>Counseling Resources</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id58_special_programs.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Special Programs"><U><B>Special Programs</B></U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Guidance and Counseling Services</I></div> <div> <B>OUR PURPOSE</B></div> <div> Guidance services are based on the understanding that each student is a unique, developing, capable individual who will learn from experiences and grow personally, socially, and educationally throughout adolescence. Respectful of individual differences, counselors assist and support students as they begin to understand themselves, develop decision making and problem-solving skills, and plan for the future. In addition to disseminating necessary, important educational and career information, counselors seek to promote each student's desire to maximize his/her potential in preparation for success in further education or in a career. Counseling promotes effective communication and life planning skills which help students grow into responsible adults. Ultimately designed to promote independence and a sense of personal responsibility in an increasingly diverse and complex society, guidance services are vital to young people as they learn to cope with and emerge into adulthood.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Academic Counseling<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Academic counseling is available to all students to help them understand their individual strengths, to set goals and to assist them in planning an appropriate program of studies. Counselors, teachers, and parents will work together to support and encourage all students in reaching their full potential. </div> <div> Some of the areas in which a counselor work with students and parents are:</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">transitioning 8th grade students to the high school </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">planning a formal four-year high school program relevant to the student's interests, abilities, and post high school plans</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">reviewing the four-year high school program each year in preparing a student for the following year, assisting students in selecting appropriate courses each year </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">planning a formal senior year and post high school plan in a student's junior year</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">preparing students for <A HREF="standardized_testing.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Standardized Testing"><U>College Board testing</U></A></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">checking each student's progress through a review of CAPT scores, quarterly report cards, and 5-week interim progress reports </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">counseling students experiencing academic difficulty and developing strategies for improvement, including referrals to various academic resources at the high school</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">meeting with other school professionals as members of formally established committees to discuss and make decisions concerning students with special needs</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">being available to meet with parents of all students at any time</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">reviewing credit status each year leading to graduation </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">maintaining ongoing data on college placement from year to year to assist in college searches and placements for upcoming students</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">maintaining contacts with admissions officers and familiarity with college programs to insure the "best fit" of school with graduating senior</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">staying current with the directives of the Board of Education and with the State of Connecticut Comprehensive School Counseling Program plan for developmental counseling</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Career Counseling</div> <div> Career counseling is designed to help students begin the process of exploring various career options moving toward the ultimate goal of specific career selection. Recognizing that career development begins with self knowledge, the goal of many activities is to help students learn about themselves and, subsequently, to match this knowledge with information about the world of work. By senior year, students should have gained knowledge and experience to help them develop a general career direction. </div> <div> Counselors assist students in this process through the following activities: </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">orientation to the Career Center for ninth graders </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">individual and small group counseling at all grade levels </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">conferences scheduled with juniors to develop post high school plans </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">review of high school program to insure that student's courses provide adequate preparation for potential career choices </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">use of College & Career Center resources including computer software, Internet access, and reference materials. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">the opportunity to participate in School-to-Career internships</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">administration and interpretation of career interest inventories, aptitude assessments, and career exploration resources </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">coordination of career development in conjunction with classroom teachers</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> College Counseling<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> College counseling is offered to all students seeking post-high school education. Designed to help students identify and clarify their abilities, interests and goals, college counseling assists students in making appropriate educational decisions. The formal college planning process begins with individual and group sessions in the junior year conducted by the school counselors. Follow-ups to these sessions continue through senior year. </div> <div> In order to assist students fully, the following activities take place: </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Students are encouraged to take interest inventories and complete career search assessments.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Students are encouraged to take the College Board standardized tests and are monitored for their proficiency on the CAPT.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Students are encouraged to utilize the facilities of the College and Career Center, which include computer-based college search programs, college catalogs, and video tours of college campuses.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">In freshman, junior and senior years, students have formal meetings with their counselors. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Each freshman receives a Four-Year Plan at the freshman meeting.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Each junior receives a Junior Planning Guide at the junior meeting.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Parents and students are encouraged to attend grade level workshops in freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years and college nights, college fairs, financial aid programs, and other college prep workshops.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">When college representatives visit throughout the year, juniors and seniors, as well as college-bound freshmen and sophomores, are encouraged to attend their meetings.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Beginning in junior year, students prepare drafts of their resumes and college essays as part of the college application process </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Counselors, upon request, write letters of recommendation for students and direct students to their teachers for recommendation letters.  </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Counselors, working closely with the College and Career Center, direct students to a variety of available resources about colleges </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Counselors share with students and parents their knowledge about colleges,  gained by attending conferences, visiting colleges, and contacting college representatives and admissions officers.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Personal Counseling<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Personal counseling is available to all students to assist them in managing the normal developmental issues which arise during adolescence. School counselors help students to enhance self-understanding and to learn effective problem-solving skills so that they will be better equipped to deal with the variety of concerns that high school students encounter. Individual counseling sessions may be initiated by students, staff members, or parents. When warranted, referrals will be made to the school psychologist, school social worker, student assistance counselor, or an appropriate community agency. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>New Fairfield's Student Assistance Program</B> </div> <bR> <div> Judith O'Callahan, Student Assistance Counselor - Room 109</div> <div> Monday - Friday (check for hours) 312-5852  </div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:sharon@sharonshea.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:sharon@sharonshea.com"><U><U>jocallaghan@new-fairfield.k12.ct.us</U></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>What Services Are Available? </B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">drug prevention information and education </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">assistance with developing coping skills, anger management skills, and peer relation skills</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">smoking cessation program </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">information to help others </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">assistance with information on coping with friends or family members using alcohol or drugs. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">resources and/or referrals to community services </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">student and parent presentations about drug prevention and coping skills </div> <bR> <div> <B>THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IS CONFIDENTIAL</B> </div> <bR> <div> <B>Suggested Websites:</B> </div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.drugabuse.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.drugabuse.org"><U><U>www.drugabuse.org</U></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > A website that has treatment programs available for children and adults. </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.ct-al-anon.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ct-al-anon.org"><U><U>www.ct-al-anon.org</U></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > The Local Alanon Website: helps family members of alcoholics solve their common problems. Emphasis is on anonymity. Local meetings available. </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.alateen.org " TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.alateen.org "><U><U>www.alateen.org</U></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.alateen.org " TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.alateen.org "><U> </U></A>Alateen: A division of Alanon for younger family members of alcoholics to gain support from one another. </div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.nacoa.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.nacoa.org"><U><U>www.nacoa.org</U></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > The National Association for Children of Alcoholics website.</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.ctclearinghouse.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ctclearinghouse.org"><U><U>www.ctclearinghouse.org</U></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Connecticut Clearinghouse is the state's resource center for information about alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, as well as related issues affecting mental health and wellness. Contact them for free information on drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and related topics such as violence prevention, AIDS, eating disorders, suicide prevention, and child abuse.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Organizations:</B></div> <div> <U>Narcotics Anonymous</U> A support group for those dealing with substance abuse. Local meetings available. 1-800-627-3542</div> <div> <U>Midwestern Connecticut Council on Alcoholism</U> (MCCA) 203-792-4515</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS:</B></I></div> <div> <B>A hidden provision in the No Child Left Behind Act requires that confidential student information be supplied to the Pentagon. A high school student's social security number, GPA, cell phone number, and other sensitive information of youths 16-25 is being collected through a private marketing firm without the need for the person's or the parent's knowledge or permission. A provision has been made if you do not want this information given to the government. You must do two things:</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Log on to </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>www.LeaveMyChildAlone.org</B></FONT><B> and follow the directions.</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Contact Tom Dickau, the Guidance Director, with your child's name, so that this information will not be supplied to military recruiters who visit NFHS.</B></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>