Grade Level Seminars

The primary focus of the program is the orientation of first year students to Wellesley High School. Students meet during the second quarter 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. 

This 3rd quarter program focuses on decision-making skills and self-assessment.  Students use tools in Naviance 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 the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). There are also units on depression and suicide prevention, as well as resources and ways of coping with stress.

This 3rd quarter 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. 

In the first term of the year, 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 and PG programs. 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 this website.