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 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 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

News to Know

Refer to the NHS Counseling Department website to remain up to

date with all the department has to offer!

Last edited: 12/9/24

HOLIDAY FUND UPDATE

With a big bump for generous donors last week, our Holiday Fund  is now at $4500!! Only three full days remain of this fundraiser. Please do not miss the chance to contribute. Giving ends on Wednesday, the 11th so do not dilly-dally any longer!

Jean McDavitt (in the Counseling Office) is collecting cash, checks, or gift cards (MasterCard/Visa, Target, Sudbury Farms, Walgreens). If using a check, please make it out to "Needham High School PTC".  I will also be collecting money using my Venmo account (Dana-Plunkett-1).  If using Venmo, please include "NHS Holiday Fund" in the subject line.  Danielle Doherty, in the Main Office, for collecting donations from the community at large.

Best wishes for your own celebration. 

The Counseling Department invites seniors and their parents/guardians to read the following December letters from the department. 

Senior Letter 

Parent/Guardian Letter 

ATTENTION SENIORS

If you have a January 1st admissions deadline, your transcript request form needs to be submitted by December 6th. 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open.  FAFSA is calling it the 'expanded beta testing' period, however you can still complete it fully and submit.

See THIS LINK for additional information regarding the FAFSA.

If looking for specific FAFSA and financial aid support, the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) is a great resource.  You should also consider the Financial Aid Office at any of your colleges a resource as you navigate the aid process.

3-W Gap Year Night 2025

Wednesday, January 8th

7:00 PM 

webinar registration link for the event:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HKlivQSXTxCTzQEeMlmpJA

This webinar is in collaboration with Wellesley, Weston & Wayland High Schools. Please join this informative Night with J2 Guides Jane & Jason Sarouhan.

Jane and Jason Sarouhan – the J2 behind J2Guides – have been respected leaders in the field of experiential and gap year education for 30 years. They have guided thousands of students through the process of discovering life and learning outside the 4 walls of a classroom, and know firsthand how transformative an intentional gap year can be. Developing authentic relationships with their students, programs and colleagues worldwide is central to Jason and Jane’s values and expertise. They are nationally accredited Gap Year Association Consultants and keynote speakers at the USA Gap Year Fairs.