Counseling Department Mission Statement
Counseling Department Mission Statement
The Needham High Counseling Department is committed to advocating for all students and to being an integral part of the NHS community. Counselors assist and guide students and families with academic planning, social/emotional issues, post-secondary planning, and many other areas in a student's high school experience.
NHS Counseling Core Values
Value and respect for all
Be knowledgeable and current in all aspects of School Counseling
Be approachable and accessible to all students and families.
Our Guiding Philosophy
Find Balance - high school can bring a lot of excitement as well as stress, so it is important to take care of yourself and build in time for fun and the things in your life that bring you joy
Academic Success - NHS is full of wonderful people and resources! Take advantage of them, and be sure to put your best effort forward
Self-Advocacy - developing relationships with your teachers each year is crucial to a positive high school experience. Your teachers want to know you and help you, so get to know them and let them get to know you!
Extracurricular Involvement (in and/or outside of school) - think about how you can get involved and find opportunities to explore your interests, skills, and leadership!
Personal Growth - adjust study skills as needed, challenge yourself, learn to be a good self-advocate, grow your independence.
Plan for the Future - thinking about life after high school can be both scary and exciting. Work with your counselors to take the necessary steps in exploring and creating a picture of what you'd like to do after you graduate. Each of you are on a unique path, and we will help you develop a plan.
Mark Your Calendars
2024-2025 Counseling Parent Evenings
All evening events are conducted 6:30-8:00pm, via Zoom unless indicated. Link provided in advance of the evening.
Recordings and slide decks, when available, are in the Recorded Presentations/Slide Decks drop down menu.
Senior Parent/Guardian Night Thursday, September 19th
Standardized Testing Thursday, October 10th 2024
GAP Year Planning Wednesday, January 8th, 7:00pm (in collaboration with Wellesley High School, see information and link to register below)
Junior Family/Guardian Night Thursday, January 16th
Grade 8 Curriculum Night Thursday, January 30th (virtual if inclement weather)
College Planning for Students w/ Learning Differences
Thursday, March 6th, 9:00 am @ NHS Cafe Ext
Financial Aid Night Thursday, March 20th
Refer to the NHS Counseling Department website to remain up to
date with all the department has to offer!
Last edited: 6/6/25