COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
LONGMEADOW HIGH SCHOOL | 95 GRASSY GUTTER ROAD | LONGMEADOW, MA 01106 | P 413-565-4220 | F413-565- 4233
WELCOME TO THE LHS COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
The LHS Counseling Department is committed to helping students successfully navigate through high school academically, socially, and personally. Through individual and group meetings with students and parents, we provide information and guidance on course planning and selection, standardized testing options, and post-secondary planning.
We take a developmental approach to provide a comprehensive guidance plan for all students in grades 9 through 12. This begins with the guidance counselors visiting the middle schools to help 8th-grade students make informed decisions about course selection and getting involved in school activities at the high school. This is done in conjunction with an eighth-grade parent night to introduce parents to the high school.
COUNSELORS & STAFF
For Contact information - Directory Faculty & Staff
Michael Rosemond
Department Chair
mrosemond@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
Anne Hutchinson
Counselor
ahutchinson@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
Elizabeth (Lisa) O'Shea
Counselor
eoshea@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
Kristin Puleo
Counselor
kpuleo@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
Marianne Smith
Counselor
smithm@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
Beth Jablonski
Secretary
bjablonski@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
SCHOOL COUNSELING TIMELINE
9th Grade
Once students have transitioned in as ninth graders we meet with them in groups to stress the importance of being an active participant in their high school education. It is important to understand early on that the decisions they make as ninth graders can impact their future plans.
August - 9th Grade and New Student Orientation
November-December - 9th Grade Individual Meetings
February - Introduction to Career and Technical Educational Programs
March - Scheduling and Course Selection
10th Grade
In tenth grade, we schedule individual meetings with the students to begin the discussion and planning for what comes after high school. We often refer to this meeting as “The Kick-off” to the college planning process.
September - PSAT Registration
October - PSAT testing
January - Individual student meetings
March - Scheduling and Course Selection
11th Grade
By eleventh grade, students should be in full gear with their post-secondary planning and we help jump start this by providing students with the tools to get started through individual planning meetings. We also host an 11th Grade Parent Night to inform parents on the college search and planning process.
October - PSAT
December - PSAT results
February - Individual Post-Secondary planning meetings
January - 11th Grade Parent Night / College search and application process
March - Scheduling and Course Selection
12th Grade
The comprehensive counseling plan culminates in twelfth grade with individual meetings with 12th graders and their parents to help guide them through the post-secondary and college application process. As you navigate through the LHS guidance pages, I hope you will find the information to be useful and informative.
September-January- Post-Secondary Planning Meetings
September - Financial Aid Night
Spring - Attend the MEFA webinar on Understanding Financial Aid Offers & Paying the College Bill. Sign-up at MEFA.org/events
THE COUNSELING PROGRAM
GOALS
To help students in developing the ability to make decisions regarding personal, social, and educational matters.
To assist parent/guardian(s) in developing skills needed to support the student’s post-secondary enrollment and career exploration processes.
To support personalized assessment of the educational and career options available to each student.
To make appropriate referrals concerning community and school resources.
To assist students, parents, and others involved in addressing concerns and issues associated with the classroom and school environment.
To assist in the implementation of program accommodations granted as part of approved special education Individual Education Plans (IEP) or regular education 504 plans.
SUPPORT
The school counseling program supports the development of each student's potential by:
Assisting the student in selecting a course of study to facilitate the successful transition to postsecondary career and educational opportunities.
Providing counseling and advising that promotes individual growth and academic success.
Monitoring student academic progress as necessary.
Promoting effective communication between students, instructional staff, parent/guardian(s) and administrators.
Facilitating post-secondary enrollment in colleges and universities through activities such as:
• Advising students on the enrollment decision process including appropriate academic preparation, admission application, and testing requirements.
• Assisting students and parent/guardian(s) in accessing the college financing delivery system.
• Acquainting students with organizational tools and resources that support effective research on post-secondary educational options.
• Encouraging the development of good goal-setting and decision-making skills.
• Preparing academic credentials required in the admissions process.
School counselors represent Longmeadow High School in numerous professional organizations, activities, and meetings that promote the reputation and visibility of Longmeadow High School particularly in relation to academic standards of excellence and college enrollment.
COMMUNICATION
The PowerSchool Public Portal gives students and parents the ability to view grades on a regular basis (please note - most LHS teachers use the PowerSchool Public Portal as their gradebook. Public Portal access will be provided to students and parents on an annual basis. Parent/guardian(s) are informed of academic progress through quarterly report cards and midterm progress reports. Parents/guardian(s) and students also have access to attendance and grades through the PowerSchool Public Portal.
PARENT CONFERENCES
Parent conferences related to the student's progress may be initiated by the counselor, parent/guardian, teacher or other school administrator.
NEWSLETTER
The Counseling Department contributes to the LHS newsletter to inform the community of testing dates, college representative visits, important academic schedule dates and other matters of interest.
WEBSITE
The Counseling Department provides electronic access to information and services. Several evening programs for students and parent/guardian(s) regarding middle school to high school transition, college planning, and financial aid are offered each year.
COLLEGE VISITS
The Counseling Department hosts and publicizes visits by representatives of colleges, the military, and other organizations/agencies promoting post-secondary career opportunities.
ANNUAL SCHOOL PROFILE
The Counseling Department publishes the annual school profile detailing information on academic offerings, grading policies, student achievement, post-secondary placement and class results of admission testing.
LHS SOCIAL WORKERS
Adolescence can be the best of times or feel like the worst of times. If you are experiencing a difficult time, you have a safe, confidential place in the high school to sort things out. Students can talk about stress, depression, anxiety, social issues, family issues, or whatever they would like. An appointment is not necessary.
Lizandra Rodriguez lrodriguez@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
Sarah White swhite@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
SUBSTANCE USE RESPONSE COORDINATOR
Shelly Warren, LICSW, LPS Substance Use Response Coordinator
Do you have a concern or a question about your own drug or alcohol use or that of someone you care about? I provide supportive counseling services and referral to community based treatment for LHS students and families. All requests are treated confidentially. Feel free to contact me by phone or email to set up an appointment. On my website, I have provided additional information about substance abuse prevention efforts in the Longmeadow Public Schools and links to several local and online resources.
My professional life has been devoted to supporting the development of young people, as both a teacher and counselor. I taught history, psychology and sociology at Longmeadow High School from 1992-2000. While pursuing my Masters in Social Work at the State University of New York, Albany, I worked as a counselor at ServiceNet's Crisis Stabilization and Respite Unit in Northampton, MA from 2000-2002. I then worked as an outreach clinician for Valley Psychiatric Services, Inc. in Springfield, MA from 2003-2010, serving youth and families with both mental health and substance use related needs. I have served as the Substance Use Response Coordinator for Longmeadow Public Schools since 2010. At that time I earned the advanced license of Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). I am happy to be serving in the vibrant school community where I started my career, in a role which integrates both my teaching and counseling experience.