High School Guidance and Counseling Services

  • High School Guidance and Counseling Services - Year by Year

    The high school counseling departments of the WCASD offer a proactive developmental program which provides students with age-appropriate information based on their educational needs and goals. In order to accomplish this goal the counselors conduct structured individual, large and small group conferences and presentations with students in grades 9 -12. In addition to these individual and group conferences arranged by the counselors, students and parents may schedule appointments as needed with their assigned counselor.

    Counselors are assigned student caseloads by alphabet, grades nine through twelve. All issues specific to a particular student such as scheduling, course selection, educational and career planning; academic, social and emotional issues are addressed by the counselor of record.

    Counselor/Student Assignments

    Mrs. Sullivan, asullivan1@wcasd.net Students: A-Cri      

    Ms. Heather Bratton, hbratton@wcasd.net Students: Cro-Gr

    Ms. Morgan Gamble mgamble@wcasd.net, Students: Gu-Lee

    Ms. Colleen Allen callen@wcasd.net, Students: Lef-Pa

    Ms. Kathy Teague kteague@wcasd.net, Students Pe-Sma

    Ms. Rebecca Singer rsinger@wcasd.net, Students: Smc-Z

    Ms.Candy Jakubowski cjakubowski@wcasd.net -Intervention Counselor

    Mr. Dave Robertson drobertson@wcasd.net - Career Education Counselor 

    Ms, Janelle Hoole jhoole@wcasd.net - School Caseworker

    The Counseling Department is supported by an amazing staff of office professionals to whom you can direct your general questions:  

    Ms. Sharon Macnamara; smacnamara@wcasd.net (484) 266-3408 

    Ms. Karen Pyle; kpyle@wcasd.net (484) 266-3407

    9th Grade – Freshmen

    All courses and their credit equivalent are recorded on the student’s transcript starting in the freshman year. Freshman activities, honors, and awards can be listed on college and scholarship applications.

    Each fall the counselors meet with the freshman class in large groups to acquaint them with their upcoming years at Henderson. This contact will occur in the middle of October while the 10th and 11th grades are in PSAT testing. Topics covered may include but are not limited to: positive decision making and starting off on the 'right foot', cyber bullying prevention and cyber safety, mental health awareness and resources, substance abuse awareness and resources, and dating violence prevention.

    After winter break, counselors begin to meet with freshmen in individual developmental conferences to which parents are invited.  Counselors use Naviance (the WCASD's career and college online platform) to guide and record the conference.

    Naviance sections used in the freshman conference include:               

    * Courses  section- a tentative and flexible outline of students’ courses for the next 3 years as it relates to their future goals. This area specifically covers graduation requirements, course sequences, and course selection procedures.

    * 'Success Plan' and 'Interesting Things About Me' sections – Students will record their interests, activities, and future educational and personal goals.

    * Grade Point Average and Rank and their relationship to future goals.

    Students may use Naviance in the library or computer lab during study hall, lunch, after school, or at home.

     

    Freshmen should begin thinking about their future after graduation. Parents/Guardians can help in the following ways:

    1. Monitor academic progress through the PowerSchool Parent Portal, and teacher conferences (in person, phone or email). Academic assistance is offered to all students in the following ways: after-school help from teachers, the Achievement Center, and peer tutoring through the National Honor Society. Your student’s teacher or counselor can help your student access these resources upon request.
    2. Use Naviance from home with your student. Help him/her set academic and personal goals, and explore careers.
    3. Begin a file to record your student’s involvement in school activities, honors, awards, employment, volunteer work and community involvement. Update this each year. This information will be added to the student’s transcript for college applications and/or employment applications.
    4. Assist your student with sophomore year course selection starting in February.
    5. Encourage your student to pursue activities in the summer (e.g. sports, hobbies, classes, reading, volunteer work, church activities, scouts, etc.)
    6. Begin discussing your student’s future plans with them. Encourage career exploration by discussing different careers with family and friends, or explore areas of interest online with Naviance.