Counseling Department and Homework Policy

SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

High school is the final transition to college, the world of work and adulthood. Students are learning who they are and what they do well, and what paths they will take upon graduation. Counselors work with students individually, and in small groups, to promote the educational mission of the school. They deliver a proactive and comprehensive developmental group guidance program focusing on student career and postsecondary goals, improving academic performance, and providing responsive counseling services for issues such as depression, anxiety, and loss. The group guidance program helps students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. Counselors also help students with school issues that may limit their ability to take full advantage of the school's educational opportunities.

As a college degree becomes more critical for success in our society, helping students make the successful transition from high school to postsecondary education becomes more crucial. As students transition through high school, appropriate course selection and supports to meet the standards in those courses and to achieve passing scores on MCAS are imperative. Through classroom interventions, group guidance, and through individual assistance, school counselors provide the support for students to meet their educational and career goals K-12.

High school students begin the journey toward college and career exploration needing to learn a sophisticated set of decision making, critical thinking, content mastery, and problem-solving skills that are essential for post secondary planning and college success. The counselors at Milton High School work diligently to ensure equitable access to educational and career opportunities for all students, and they promote an interdisciplinary approach to address student needs and educational goals. This includes:

• PROGRAM PLANNING – assist with course selection, evaluation of course schedule and implementation of long-range planning

• SELF-ASSESSMENT – assist students in using the numerous tools available to determine ability, achievement and interests

• DECISION MAKING – help students evaluate and problem-solve

• CAREER PLANNING – help students develop a viable plan for their future through the resources both in and outside of school

• COMMUNICATION – reach out to parents and the community to keep them informed of the services of the school and the needs, abilities and accomplishments of the students through various parent evenings scheduled through the year

• INTERVENTION – identify students in need of services and coordinate available resources

• CAREER TRANSITIONS PROGRAM – provide career activities designed to discover, explore, and define student’s interests and abilities through the utilization of interactive software and the Internet.

More information on post secondary planning, financial aid resources, guidance curriculum and many other helpful resources can be found on the MHS Counseling Webpage

The School Counseling Department hosts virtual college visits in the fall and spring. A list of colleges/universities attending is posted on Naviance.

COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR

Grade 12 (Class of 2023) Grade 11 (Class of 2024)

Barbara Meyer A-Baylor Barbara Meyer A-Bethea

Rich Guarino Beattie-Geering Rich Guarino Bleau-Ehui

Scott Devlin Gilmore-McFadden Scott Devlin Erhanor-Ketler

Lisa Spinelli McGillivray-Riordan Lisa Spinelli Kgafela-O'Donnell

Leonice Bernard Ritchie-Z Leonice Bernard O'Keefe-Z

Grade 10 (Class of 2025) Grade 9 (Class of 2026)

Barbara Meyer A-Bienick

Rich Guarino Black-Fernandez To Be Announced

Scott Devlin Fitton-Lyte

Lisa Spinelli MacGrath-Lyte

Leonice Bernard Petit-Frere-Z

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

High School Main Office Staff 617-696-4470
Karen J Cahill, Principal
Benjamin J. Kelly, Assistant Principal
Brian Mackinaw, Assistant Principal
Jennifer McCullough, Admin Asst. (Ext. 5501)
Sheila Rogers, Admin. Asst. (Ext. 5503)

To contact a staff member, please call the main number listed above and follow the prompts.

To contact a staff member via email, please go to www.miltonps.org; there you will find directions to each staff member’s email.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is a fundamental part of the learning program at Milton High School. A significant amount of homework is assigned each night and will vary depending on course load. Honors and AP-level courses will require that students prepare, research, review and write assignments outside class, and there is a significant time commitment required for these courses.