How does your school counselor support you?

Guidance counselors are knowledgeable professionals who work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, one another and the larger Newton South community on behalf of your child and family. Upon entering Newton South, students are assigned to a house and counselor where they will remain until graduation. Siblings are also assigned to the same counselor and house.


Counselors are advisors and primary support for students. They work with students individually and in groups, focusing on developmental issues, academic planning and course selection, personal matters of concern, and the college and post-high school transition process. Assisting students to achieve their maximum potential academically, while encouraging social and extracurricular experiences, is a major focus of our work. Above all, counselors seek to promote healthy development in all students at South.


As support for students and their families, we are often the first person a parent or guardian contacts with questions or concerns. Please note that we respect the confidentiality of the relationships we form with students. We seek to understand the expectations and concerns parents have for their children and advise accordingly.


In addition to guidance counselors, Newton South has other specialists available to meet with students, including School Adjustment Counselors, School Psychologists, a Prevention/Intervention Counselor and a College/Career Counselor. We also have METCO counselors who advise our Boston students.


As a general rule for parents, if you have a question or concern about your child, please contact us. If we’re unable to answer your questions, we’ll direct you to someone who can.


Please call or email your child’s counselor when:

  • You have a concern regarding your child

  • You would like to check on their general progress

  • You have some information which effects or may effect your child

  • You have not seen your child’s report card or mid-term notices

  • You have a personal matter to discuss about your child

  • You have a question regarding your child’s schedule or course selection

  • You don’t know whom else to ask!

Please do NOT call the counselor when:

  • Your child is out sick or will be late (call the House Secretary)

  • You want to reach a particular teacher (e-mail the teacher directly or call the House Office to leave a message with the House Secretary)

It would be most helpful if you would advise us of important change(s) in the family, such as an extended illness, separation, divorce, remarriage, a death in the family or other event or issue that may be impacting your child. While it is up to you to decide how much information to share, it’s important to remember that the more we know about a student, the more support, guidance and comfort we can offer. It’s often a counselor’s responsibility to inform teachers about significant changes in your child’s life. This kind of information sharing is done with you and/or your child’s knowledge.