BHS School Counseling Newsletter
2018-2019 Volume 5 Issue 1
Welcome Back!
Meet the School Counseling Staff
School Counselors: Mrs. Dawn Cacchillo, Mrs. Stefanie Mezzanotte, Mrs. Jennifer Ruhle and Mrs. Samantha Stebenne
Student Assistance Counselor: Mrs. Joanne Royley
School Psychologist: Ms. LeeAnn Markowski
What is the Role of the School Counselor?
A school counselor’s role is to support students’ individual growth in the following areas: academics, personal/social issues and college/career exploration. Counselors advise students with their academics and help them create four-year plans. Throughout a student’s high school career, counselors help students develop skills such as goal-setting, self-advocacy, problem-solving and decision-making. Counselors are available to help students learn about their personal interests and strengths, develop healthy coping strategies, and assist them during crises. Students see counselors individually, in groups, in advisory and during grade-level seminars. Ultimately, counselors provide support to students throughout their high school experience through collaboration with parents, teachers, administrators, school support personnel and outside resources.
What is the Role of the Student Assistance Counselor?
The goal of the Student Assistance Program is to enhance the resiliency of adolescents who are at-risk for substance use and other destructive behaviors.
The Student Assistance Counselor provides individual and group counseling, coordinates school-wide prevention programs and provides information and referral to treatment services.
To refer a student to a group or for individual counseling, please call Joanne Royley, Student Assistance Counselor in the School Counseling Department at 247-3154.
What is the Role of the School Psychologist?
The school psychologist helps students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. By collaborating with parents, teachers, administrators and other professionals, the school psychologist works to create a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment for all students. The school psychologist fulfills her role by providing individual and group counseling for students. To refer a student to the school psychologist, please call Lee-Ann Markowski, the school psychologist at 247-3154.
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
SEPTEMBER
September 26th - Last day to register for the PSATs (Grade 11). Parents can register students through their "My SchoolBucks" accounts.
* Grade 10 will take the PSAT10 in April. More info to follow.
September 27th - Barrington-Mount Hope College Fair, 4:30-6:30 pm at Mount Hope High School
September 27th - BHS Open House, 6:45 pm
September 28th - Last day to register for the October 27th ACT
OCTOBER
October 5th - Midpoint of the 1st Quarter
October 5th - Last day to register for the November 3rd SAT
October 6th - SATs
October 10th - PSATs for Grade 11 in school, 7: 30 am
October 12th - Last day to drop a course without a "W" on a student's transcript
October 16th - Financial Aid Night, 7:00 pm in the HS Library
October 27th - ACTs
NOVEMBER
November 2nd - Last day to register for the December 8th ACT
November 3rd - SATs
November 9th - End of the 1st Quarter
CLASS NEWS
Freshman News
- Counselors will be calling all freshmen down to the School Counseling Office to introduce themselves during study halls.
- We encourage all freshmen to continue getting involved in the school community whether it be through a school club, activity or sport. Activities Handbook
Sophomore News
- Last year, you began your Individual Learning Plan (ILP) on Naviance. We are currently updating our ILPs to reflect the new state regulations. Stay tuned for more information.
- To assist with planning ahead, please note that you will be taking the PSAT 10 on Wednesday, April 10th during the school day. More information will be posted as the test date gets closer.
Junior News
- Please check the School Counseling website to view when college admissions counselors are visiting BHS (The calendar is located at the bottom of the webpage). You can sign up to attend a presentation on our X2 page or the School Counseling website. Students pick up a pass in the School Counseling office on the morning of the presentation.
- We welcome you to attend the BHS-Mt. Hope College Fair on 9/27 at Mt. Hope High School from 4:30-6:30 pm. This is a great way to connect with college admissions counselors and learn about many colleges and universities.
- November: Counselors will be meeting with all juniors in order to help them develop a schedule for taking the SATs and/or ACTs as well as to help them begin their college/career exploration.
- To assist with planning ahead, please note that you will be taking the SAT on Tuesday, April 9th during the school day. More information will be posted as the test date gets closer.
Senior News
- Senior Seminars will be held during Health Classes 9/27-9/28 and 10/1-10/2. Counselors will assist seniors with updating their resumes and Individual Learning Plans on Naviance, continuing their career exploration and creating/continuing their Common Application online.
- Please check the School Counseling website to view when college admissions counselors are visiting BHS (The calendar is located at the bottom of the webpage). You can sign up to attend a presentation on our X2 page or the School Counseling website. Students pick up a pass in the School Counseling office on the morning of the presentation.
- September- October: Counselors will be meeting with all seniors individually in order to finalize their career/college plans.
- Applying to a college or university that is not on the Common Application? Please complete a Transcript Request Form on our the high school's website.
Click on the "Student/Parent Tab".
Then click on "School Counseling",
"Transcript Requests"
and then your School Counselor's Name.
Need Help Understanding Financial Aid and FAFSFA?
- October 16th - Financial Aid Night, 7:00 pm in the BHS Library - Courtney McEntee, the Assistant Director of the College Planning Center of RI, will be presenting an overview of the Financial Aid process
- October 25th - Courtney McEntee will return to BHS from 8:00 am - 11:00 in the School Counseling Office and will be available to meet with students and parents individually about the Financial Aid Process and completing the FAFSFA. Interested parents/students must make an appointment to meet with Courtney. Please contact Mrs. Brenda Lamanna in the School Counseling Office to schedule your appointment (247-3154).
- Visit the RISLA College Planning Center's website and schedule an appointment with a representative at one of their locations (Lincoln and Warwick).
Counseling Groups
The School Counseling department will be running several counseling groups throughout the year.
Below is a list of groups that counseling staff will run if we have enough interest:
• Anxiety (general)/Stress
• Grief
• COA - Children of Addiction
• Newcomers - Students new to the district
• Connections - Students experiencing difficulty making friends and/or building relationships
• Substance Use - Students who want to decrease/stop using substances
• Senior Transition - Students experiencing anxiety related to the demands of senior year
If you or someone you know would benefit from participating in a counseling group, please contact your school counselor for more information.
Each group will meet once per week for six weeks.
Student Assistance News
Newcomers Groups
HOPE CLUB- (Helping Others Protect Each Other)
The HOPE club’s mission is to empower young people to successfully confront the risks and pressures that challenge them throughout their daily lives. The club fosters a sense of belonging and promotes leadership and advocacy skills to help young people make positive life decisions. New Members are Always Welcome! Please see Mrs. Royley in the School Counseling office if your interested in joining the HOPE club.
The TAYLOR HOOTEN FOUNDATION
Presenters from the Taylor Hooten Foundation will speak to freshmen and sophomores on October 3rd about the dangers of appearance and performance enhancing drugs.
CHRIS HERREN visits BHS!
On October 15th, Juniors and Seniors will attend a presentation by former Boston College and Boston Celtics basketball player, Chris Herren. Chris, a Fall River native, will share his personal story of addiction and recovery as a high school basketball star who became an NBA player. His memoir, Basketball Junkie, was written by Bill Reynolds and ESPN created a documentary about his life called Unguarded.
Contact Information:
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3154
Follow us on Twitter: @bhsri_guidance and Facebook: Barrington High School Counseling