School Counseling
School counseling is 100-plus years old. Formerly referred to as Guidance Counseling, it has evolved over the years, shaped by various economic, social and educational forces and in response to the dynamic needs of students. The term Guidance Counseling was changed both nationally and in Massachusetts to better reflect the broad scope of work done by professionals in the school which includes:
Career Development Success
Academic Success
Personal and Social Emotional Success
Life Skills & Wellness
Prevention Education
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide a comprehensive PK-12 developmental counseling program that will assist ALL students in acquiring the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to become effective students, responsible citizens, productive workers, and life-long learners. Development of the WRSD comprehensive school counseling program is an integral part of the District’s overall educational process. The program addresses the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students.
WHO ARE THE SCHOOL COUNSELING TEAM?
School Counselors
School counselors guide students in academic, career, and personal development, helping them navigate school-related challenges and plan for their future. School Counselors are licensed educators who improve student success for ALL students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. School Counselors work with ALL students through the delivery and collaboration of delivery of developmentally appropriate activities and services. School Counselors hold, at a minimum, a master's degree in counseling and meet the state licensing standards in MA. Through school counseling programming, school counselors ensure ALL students have access to academic, career, and social/emotional development opportunities to enhance student learning. These activities and services that focus on:
Career Development Success
School counselors utilize career development lessons and strategies to help students understand the relationship between personal qualities, education and training, and the world of work. Examples of these strategies are career awareness and exploration, goal setting, high school graduation facts, scholarship opportunities, and the use of future-planning tools.
Academic Success
From Pre-Kindergarten to grade 12, school counselors support teachers and parents to help students achieve competencies at each grade level. The following are examples: test-taking strategies, study skills, using a planner, getting organized, and raising their GPA.
Personal and Social Emotional Success
School counselors work with staff and the community to provide support for students, ensuring they are safe and healthy and promoting life skills such as education, character development, social skills, making friends, alternatives to peer pressure, and managing stress.
Life Skills and Wellness
School Counselors foster life skills that build confidence and support mental and emotional health, enabling students to overcome challenges and thrive as they prepare for the 21st-century workplace. As part of the District Strategic Plan, School Counselors promote whole-child-centered support services for all, helping students to succeed academically while building employability skills and resiliency.
School Counselors ensure students of special populations have access to academic, career, vocational, and social/emotional development opportunities . This includes students who are homeless, in foster care, English Language Learners, and students with disabilities.
School Adjustment Counselors/Social Workers
School Adjustment Counselors assist students who have a higher level of need in the school environment, who experience socio-emotional challenges that impact school success and link these students and their families with school, home, and community services. School Adjustment Counselors hold, at a minimum, a master's degree in counseling or social work and meet the state licensing standards in MA. School Adjustment Counselors provide individual and group counseling services to identified students typically receiving Special Education or Section 504 services or accommodations, collaborate with the school team to develop intervention plans, and link families with community resources.
WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT - SCHOOL COUNSELING TEAM
Sarah Anderson, Psy.D., LMHC - School Adjustment Counselor at Dawson School
Alina Budrys - School Adjustment Counselor at Thomas Prince School
Megan Cooney-Diaz - School Adjustment Counselor at Mountview Middle School
Meghan Coonan - School Adjustment Counselor at Davis Hill School
Melissa Dervishian, LMHC - School Adjustment Counselor at Chocksett Middle School
Nicolette Dipilla - School Adjustment Counselor at Mayo School
Emily Forsberg - School Adjustment Counselor at Central Tree Middle School
Alexandra Georgiadis - School Adjustment Counselor at Naquag School
Jessica Maguire, LSW - School Adjustment Counselor at Paxton Center School
Julie Pasquino - School Adjustment Counselor at Glenwood School