1. Weston High School Freshman & Sophomore Forum
Making the Most of the High School Experience

2. Agenda Welcome and Introduction Writing Your Story Being Happy
Engaging in the School Community
Teacher’s Perspective
Concluding Thoughts
Questions and Discussion

3. Weston High School Guidance Department
Our Staff
Head of Guidance: Marla Schay
Counselors: Gretchen Gugliotta, Samson Luu, Chris Shanahan, and Maryann Shea
Administrative Assistant: Chris Wadsworth
Interns: Ali Sumski & Katherine Miele
Youth Adjustment Counselor: Paula Gearan
School-to-Career: Corey Guerra

4. Our Mission
Dedicated to empowering every student to achieve academic success, personal and social growth, wellness and career exploration.
Comprehensive school counseling program
Developmentally appropriate curriculum in tandem with the Health curriculum
Individual counseling
Advocating for student interests

5. Writing Your Story Forging your own path
Cultivating your dreams and setting reasonable goals
Exploring your interests and talents
Charting your academic adventure
Fostering resilience – embracing failure as an opportunity to learn
Developing self-advocacy skills

9. Being Happy Developing self-awareness and perspective
Spending time with friends and family
Being kind to yourself and others
Having fun!
Sleeping
Using technology wisely
Making good choices
It is normal that friends groups change

10. Engaging in the Community
Getting involved, but not overextended or overscheduled
Exploring opportunities in and out of school
Athletics, arts, work, volunteer, summer experiences, clubs
Avoiding “checking the boxes”
Fostering a culture of kindness

11. A Teacher’s Perspective
Seek out teachers as soon as material is unclear − don’t wait until just before a test!
Stay on top of work, since falling behind makes it more difficult to succeed.
Take initiative − students who reach out to teachers and are proactive will do better.

12. Resources Tips for reaching your student’s counselor
Call the Guidance Office ( )
(last name first
Don’t hesitate to contact the teacher, is best
The Guidance website
Monthly newsletter, announcements, links to documents and other resources (such as a tutor list)
The Enrichment Center (TEC)
Infinite Campus Portal – use in moderation!
Contact the right person for your question
See the handout… the Nurse, Attendance, Athletics or Activities offices may be the best place to start.

13. Concluding Thoughts
Understanding adolescent development and the balance between support and the need for students to “own” their actions is critical
Keep lines of communication open
With your student
With your student’s counselor
With the school nurse
With teachers and administrators
With the school community (check the school’s website)
Enjoy high school!

14. Thank you
We look forward to working with you in the years ahead! Questions/Discussion