Welcome Back Wachusett!
School Counseling Department Newsletter - September 2018
As we begin the school year, the School Counseling Department at Wachusett Regional High School would like to welcome back all our students from what was hopefully a healthy, restful, and productive summer. Additionally, we would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our incoming freshmen and transfer students.
The school counseling department has undergone some slight changes, but our mission remains constant. We strive for excellence, and in doing so we hope to provide your students with the help and support that will ensure their educational needs are met. Jon Krol has taken on a new position within the district and is now working as the Director of SEL and Guidance PreK-12. Lauren Clark has taken on the role as School Counseling Department Head. In addition to serving as the department head, she will have a caseload of students. Mrs. Clark comes to us from Tahanto Regional Middle/High School in Boylston where she worked with students for the past 7 years. She is excited to be part of the Wachusett family!
The school counseling department would also like to welcome school adjustment counselor, Jenna Damato. Ms. Damato has come to Wachusett after working for 4 years at Northbridge High School as their School Adjustment Counselor. In her free time, Ms. Damato enjoys scrapbooking and spending time with her family and friends. Ms. Damato is very much looking forward to working with students and families of the Wachusett district.
New Program: BRYT!
What is the BRYT program?
A school-based transition program for adolescents returning to high school after prolonged absences. The Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition (BRYT) program combines clinical support, academic support, family support and transition planning.
Who will be working in the BRYT program?
Academic Coordinator: Myriah Davis
Prior to Wachusett, Mrs. Davis have spent the last four years working in a therapeutic school, teaching a variety of subjects and grade levels. She is looking forward to collaborating with students and families to ensure that their transition back to classes is a positive experience and that students are able to continue their success by making solid academic progress.
Adjustment Counselor: Darcy Schultz
Prior to Wachusett, Mrs. Schultz worked at Walter S. Parker Middle School in Reading as an Adjustment Counselor. Before that, she worked in community mental health, mostly as a school based counselor, in Washington, Oregon and MA for 15 years. Mrs. Schultz is a registered as an Art Therapist (ATR), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MA), and Licensed School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker. For fun, she creates art, reads, and gets outdoors whenever possible.
PSAT info
On Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 8:00am-12:00pm, the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) will be administered to interested sophomores and juniors at Wachusett Regional High School.
Please fill out the paperwork HERE and return it, along with a check for $27, to the school counseling office by 2:15pm on 9/10.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, September 25th, 6pm: Nuts & Bolts of College Admissions, for parents of seniors
This presentation is designed for students and families of seniors to understand how the school counseling office can assist students through the college application process. We will cover topics such as trends in admissions, application components and Wachusett's policies and procedures.
There is a presentation in the auditorium and in the media center followed by a Q & A with your son or daughter's school counselor.
*Auditorium: For parents of students who have the following school counselors: Ms. Baker, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Knorring, Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Reily
*Media Center: For parents of students who have the following school counselors: Mrs. Connors, Mr. Dubzinski & Mrs. Freeman
Tuesday, September 25th, 7:15pm: Demystifying College Financing, for all parents
This presentation given by Dave Landry from the Central Mass College Funding Advisors is a must for all parents of college-bound high school students, including freshman and sophomores. We will de-mystify the college financial aid process and show you how to access the more than $110 billion in financial aid dollars that are available to even high-income families and business owners. The strategies presented will help you protect your assets by maximizing your eligibility for aid, effectively lowering your college costs. This presentation will be held in the auditorium.
Wednesday, October 10th, 6pm: MEFA College Financing presentation, for parents of seniors
This seminar will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process. You’ll learn about financial aid applications and types of financial aid, the factors that determine your aid eligibility, how colleges determine the amount of aid to offer, and the details of financial aid award letters. This presentation will be held in the auditorium.
Thursday, October 18th, 6pm: MA State Public College Fair at Nashoba Regional High School
Thursday, October 25th: Open House, 12-2pm & 6-8:30pm
Wednesday, November 7th, 6:30pm: NACAC Boston Performing and Visual Arts College Fair at Emmanuel College
Reminder - SAT Registration Deadline
SAT Test Dates 2018-2019
ACT Test Dates 2018-2019
Contact Us
Email: lauren_clark@wrsd.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/wrsd.net/wrhs-guidance/
Location: 1401 Main St, Holden, MA 01520
Phone: (508) 829-6771