School Counseling Department
Denise Lopes
Department Chair of Scheduling
Ayesha Cross
Delya Holt
Tracy Jamison
Denise Moore
School Counseling Program:
The School Counseling Program plays an integral part in the educational program at West Side High School. Our qualified professionals focus on the individual needs of the students. Services in our program have been established to assist all students to mature in self-understanding, self-responsibility, and decision-making. Our program also facilitates the development of core values and the skills required to become productive citizens in our pluralistic society.
What is School Counseling?
School Counseling is a process of helping students by assisting them in making decisions and changing behaviors. As an integral part of the education program, School Counselors work with students, school staff, families, and members of the community.
School Counseling Activities:
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West Side High School’s Graduation Requirements
| Course | Years | Course | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | Visual/ Performing Arts | 1 |
| Mathematics | 4 | World Language | 2 |
| Science with Lab | 4 | Technology, Career/ Technical/ Practical/ Vocational | 1 |
| United States History | 2 | Financial Literacy | 1/2 Year |
| World History | 1 | Social Studies Elective | 1/2 Year |
| Physical Education/ Health | 4 | Electives | 2 Years |
| Total Credits for Graduation | 130 Credits | ||
| Additional State Testing Requirement/ Community Service |
- To be eligible for sophomore status (10th grade), students must have earned 32.5 credits
- To be eligible for junior status (11th grade), students must have earned 65 credits
- To be eligible for senior status (12th grade), students must have earned 97.5 credits
Grading Policy
The weighting of grades is as follows: Advanced Placement carry an additional GPA value of one (1.0) point. Honors courses have an additional GPA value of one-half (.5) point.
Advanced Placements courses are available in the Language Arts, Mathematics, and History.
Other Important factors for students to be successful in high school:
- Learn Study/ Time management Skills
- Become involved in extra-curricular activities (clubs, athletics, student government, local community organizations).
- Seek additional help/tutoring when needed.
During the school year, counselors will conduct workshops with your children in their classroom on pertinent issues such as bullying and harassment. The staff will continue to hold group meetings as well as individual conferences to address the issues of each year of high school and to help students make good decisions.
Communication with the School Counseling Office:
Schedule an appointment with your school counselor to share concerns, suggestions and/or ideas that can help your child succeed. Together, working as a team, much can be accomplished.
Family Connection from NAVIANCE
A web-based service designed especially for students and parents to help in making decisions about courses, colleges, and careers.
- Contact your child’s counselor to sign up for NAVIANCE.
Parent Portal PowerSchool:
Research shows that when parents are engaged, students become more active participants in the educational process, which helps mitigate problems, instills better study habits, and addresses issues as they arise – all of which are key factors in academic success. More than ever, parent/guardian involvement is critical to the academic success of their children.
PowerSchool’s Parent Portal provides parents/guardians confidential and real time access to information tied to their child(ren), such as attendance and grades, through their own PowerSchool Parent Portal account. PowerSchool’s Parent Portal also allows teachers and parents/guardians to communicate electronically so that information is shared on a regular, timely basis.
- Contact your child’s School Counselor to obtain your access code to the Parent Portal.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS and GUARDIANS
Items to Review with Your Child
- School Calendar
- Required Courses by Grade Level
- Elective Courses by Grade Level
- Information on the Scheduling Process
- Requirements for Advancement to the Next Grade Level
- Graduation Requirements
- NJSLA-State Testing Information
- Information on Extra-Curricular Activities
- Attendance and Tardy Policies and Procedures
- Code of Conduct/School Rules
- Summer School Options
- How to Contact Your Child’s School Counselor
Help Your Child Succeed
- Provide a Good Place to Study
- Help Your Child Set Academic Goals
- Use Rewards and Consequences to Encourage Change
- Attend WSHS Events, Meetings, and Parent Programs
- Insist on Daily Attendance
- See All Progress Reports and Report Cards
- Help With Time Management
- Deal Effectively With Homework
- Listen
- Encourage Independent Problem Solving
- Monitor Activities and Jobs
- Encourage Positive Activities
- Be Aware and Be Informed
- Set Limits and Boundaries
- Be a Good Role Model
- Support the School and the WSHS Staff
- Volunteer at the School
“Stay involved! Don’t assume that once students get to high school that they don’t need your involvement. They do”.