WELCOME TO THE LHS GUIDANCE HOME PAGE. The Guidance 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 providing 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.
ONCE STUDENTS HAVE TRANSITIONED IN AS FRESHMEN, we meet with the ninth graders in groups to stress the importance of being an active participant in their high school education. It is important for students to understand early on that the decisions they make as freshmen can impact their future plans.
IN THE SOPHOMORE YEAR, we administer the PLAN assessment to all 10th graders and then schedule individual meetings with the students and parents 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.
BY JUNIOR YEAR, 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 in group sessions. We also host a Junior Parent Night to inform parents on the college search and planning process.
THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE PLAN CULMINATES IN THE SENIOR YEAR with individual meetings with seniors 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.
Donna Lyons, Director of Guidance
THE GOALS OF THE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM ARE:
To help students in developing the ability tomake 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.
THE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF EACH STUDENT'S POTENTIAL BY:
Assisting the student in selecting a course of study to facilitate 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.