Region 15 Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program

   The Region 15 Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program is designed to help students develop skills and abilities in the areas of academic, career and personal and social development. 

   The K through 12 Program, which is based on the American School Counseling Association’s national standards, serves as a beacon for students, parents and faculty, helping them grow together through the total educational process.

   According to Director of Guidance, Ken Varotta, in 1997, Region 15 completed a survey of over 500 teachers and parents on homework, study skills and work habits.  Included in this survey was a question that asked, “What do we want our graduates to be like when they leave Region 15?” 

   “A few of the characteristics most often selected included, life-long learner, independent learner, self motivated, self confident, good communicator, active citizen, academically capable and prepared for college,” explained Mr. Varotta.  “Many of these characteristics form the basis for the goals of the Guidance curriculum in Region 15.”

   From the moment students enter kindergarten, they are introduced to the attitudes, knowledge, aptitudes and skills that contribute to effective learning in school.  Through developmental lessons, discussions, individual and group sessions, and parent presentations, guidance counselors prepare students for the expectations of each grade level.

   “Developmental Guidance is an essential part of the growth and learning of the children in Region 15,” said Pomperaug Elementary School Guidance Counselor, Stefanie Clifford.

   “We touch every child and are available to every family,” said Clifford.  “We do not just provide services at times of crisis; we provide proactive services to children and their families throughout the school year.  We are full partners with every family to help provide the opportunities needed for our students to succeed.”

   At the elementary level, the focus of the Guidance Program is to enable students to feel comfortable and confident to handle any difficult situation that may arise.  Accomplishments at this level include the ability to express feelings and needs in difficult situations, the development of age-appropriate interpersonal skills with peers, understanding of strengths and weaknesses to help with academic success, awareness of basic career and drug information and the ability to meet the demands of the next grade level.

   “Learning these skills is an ongoing process and the guidance program is imperative at the elementary level,” says Clifford.  “As middle school students face more choices they will have a foundational set of decision making skills to pull from.”

   In the area of transition planning, elementary and middle school counselors provide various activities to prepare students for the move into middle school and high school.

   At Rochambeau and Memorial Middle Schools, counseling services are available for every student.  Two counselors at each school divide the student body alphabetically by last name and service those same students for their three years in middle school.

   Counselors work with students individually or in a group setting, discussing such topics as self-esteem, academics, family or social concerns, high school planning or any other pertinent topic.

   “We want kids to feel we are approachable,” said Rosemary Fox who shares counseling duties with Patricia Waterbury at MMS.  “The better we get to know them, the better we can meet each individual student’s needs.  We want students to be aware of all the resources available to help them become self sufficient academically and emotionally.”

   Students are encouraged to make appointments to talk with guidance counselors and parent involvement is always encouraged.  “Parental support is vital to a child’s success in school,” said Waterbury.  “We encourage parents to take advantage of opportunities within the schools and become familiar with the developmental stages of their children.  Counselors are an integral part of school support for parents as well as their children.”

   In middle school, students take guidance classes for at least one marking term each year. Topics included in the guidance curriculum include decision making, bullying, goal setting, stress management, career exploration and the celebration of each student’s uniqueness.

   The student acquires the knowledge, attitudes, and interpersonal skills to help understand and respect self and others.  The guidance program helps students develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems and helps them learn to identify when peer pressure is influencing a decision.

   Middle school students are introduced to the relationship of academics to the world of work and to life at home and in the community.  Expectations for students in this area include the ability for a student to identify individual interests and abilities as they relate to career goals, describe how career development is a continuous process within a series of choices, identify traditional and nontraditional occupations as they relate to career choice, and explain how changing economy and technology influence employment opportunities.

   By the end of eighth grade, it is the hope of counselors that students are equipped to transition to high school with the increased ability to demonstrate independence in managing school responsibilities.  Students will use these learned skills as they begin to review secondary level education options which includes high school course selection.

   For students transitioning to 9th grade at Pomperaug High School, expectations of the Guidance Program include a students’ awareness of graduation requirements, high school course credit and the ability to seek information and support from faculty, staff, family and peers that positively influences academic achievement.

   High school students participate more intensely in community service projects.  Students more closely examine career choices that relate to their interests, values and abilities using available career resources, materials and equipment.

   Career development continues with an emphasis on developing skills in such areas as educational/career search, application resume writing and interviewing.

   More time is devoted to individual counseling at the high school partly due to the college and career planning.  Successful mastery of these skills will assist the student in making a positive transition from school to work via college if necessary and from job to job.

   A wealth of information is available to each student in the PHS Career Center.  Students are introduced to the Post-Secondary Planning Guide which was written to provide a comprehensive overview of factors to consider in choosing a college, steps to take in gaining admission, and ways to finance the ever-rising cost of higher education.

   In addition to the Career Center, the Guide is intended to supplement students’ most important resources: parents and school counselors.  Working together, under a comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program it is expected that each student will grow to achieve their full potential.