School Counseling Department

Department Information

The School Counseling Department provides a variety of services in three areas: personal/social, career/college, and academic counseling. Within these three broad areas are nine specific services: grade level seminars, individual counseling, teacher consultation, resource coordination, information delivery, parent education/consultation, placement, evaluation/planning, and records/testing.  While students are the primary focus of these activities, counselors also work closely with parents, teachers, and administrators. School Counselors spend the majority of their time working directly with students. Through individual counseling and grade level seminars, School Counselors address the developmental needs of students and provide crisis intervention. They are also in frequent communication with faculty, staff, and parents in order to coordinate services and provide an optimum school experience for all students. School Counselors work closely with the Special Education Department serving as referral agents and as members of evaluation teams. School Counselors coordinate the 504 process and monitor the implementation of the plans. They also meet regularly with the Student Support Teams that are composed of the assistant principals, school psychologist, and special educator to share information and develop strategies to meet the specific needs of individual students.

Any student who wishes to meet with their School Counselor individually should make an appointment in advance. In emergencies, however, a student should feel free to come in to see his/her School Counselor without advance notice. If the School Counselor is not available, the student should schedule an appointment or leave a note. Parents are encouraged to use the counseling services by reaching out to their student's School Counselor with questions or requesting a conference when appropriate.

Students and families are invited to refer to the The School Counseling Department Website for additional information and resources.

Grade Level Seminars

All students meet with their school counselor in small groups once per cycle for one quarter;  seniors meet quarter 1, Grade 9 meets quarter 2,  juniors meet quarter 3 and sophomores meet quarter 4. These seminars are designed to address the developmental needs of adolescents, maximize their learning experience and help them plan for the future. 

Grade 9  Seminar - The primary focus of the program is the orientation of first year students to Wellesley High School. Students meet during quarter 2 to become familiar with their new school, get to know each other, and build a relationship with their counselor. Counselors review the Student Handbook, Program of Studies, and other materials to help students understand the procedures, rules, regulations, general high school programs, services and opportunities. In addition, students learn about the composition of their class, discrimination/diversity, conflict resolution, teacher expectations, study skills, time management and other topics of importance to ninth graders. Finally, we discuss social media and how to manage their on-line presence. Syllabus 

Sophomore Seminar - This quarter 4 program focuses on decision-making skills and self-assessment. Students use the Career Discovery in Scoir to explore personality types, career interests, and possible college selections. In addition, students assess their academic and extracurricular participation and progress, their strengths and weaknesses, and begin discussion of the college planning timeline with an emphasis on the testing appropriate for the end of the sophomore year. Students will prepare for a resume which they can use on their post-secondary process as well as for jobs/internships. There are also units on social media use, as well as resources and ways to manage their on-line presence. Syllabus 

Junior Seminar - This quarter 3 program focuses on post-high school planning with particular emphasis on the college search process. Through a systematic approach, students come to understand their own personal requirements for college as well as what colleges look for in applicants. Students learn how to determine their eligibility for different colleges and to understand the importance of investigating colleges with a wide range of selectivity. Techniques for investigation, tours, interviews and narrowing down one’s list of colleges are also discussed so that students are prepared to make the best use of the summer for continuing their research. Syllabus 

Senior Seminar - In quarter 1, students planning to attend college after high school review and revise their previous choices and finalize their plans. In addition to refining their list of schools, students will learn about their own and their counselor’s responsibilities in the application process and they discuss interviews, essays, and application preparation. Students will gain an understanding of the financial aid process prior to the evening presentation in late October. We also discuss alternate options such as Gap Years, PG programs, work and the armed services. Students who wish to pursue other options upon graduation will work with their counselor, either in groups or individually, to develop their post high school plans.  See the Alternatives to College and PG Year tabs on the School Counseling website. Syllabus 

Essential Skills: Grade Level Seminar Standards and Learing Targets

Standard 1: Develop Interpersonal Skills

    Learning Target:  1a. Develop relationships with peers/adults within WHS

2a. Effectively self-advocate for student needs

3a. Problem Solving Skills

Standard 2: Develop Intrapersonal Skills

   Learning Targets:  2a. Effectively cultivate balance in life

     2b. Demonstrate empathy towards others

     2c. Effective decision making 

Standard 3: Goal Setting/Planning

    Learning Targets:    3a. Effectively create 4-year academic plan

     3b. Research and create vocational/post secondary options

Transfer Committee

This course is offered by the School Counseling Department. It is designed to help support new students as they adjust to WHS. Student who have taken the course before can elect to take it again and serve as peer leaders to new students. The Transfer Committee includes a first day orientation, weekly groups, peer support, and outreach to new students and their families.

• 970 Transfer Committee