Westfield High School (THE WESTFIELD NEWS PHOTO)
WESTFIELD – At the Aug. 26 zoom School Committee meeting, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski introduced Westfield High School guidance counselors Kristen Puleo and Patricia Healy to talk about their preparations for the coming year.
Healy began by saying their number one job is to be “a cheerleader for all the students.” She said they look at academic scheduling with a critical eye, to make sure graduation requirements are being met, and to support students struggling in a particular area.
Puleo said as student advocates, counselors support a positive environment, especially with concerns that may become a barrier to individual success. She said they work in conjunction with adjustment counselors and River Valley Counseling on social-emotional issues as well.
Healy said at WHS, students have counselors and a career counseling specialist. She said they use the program Naviance, which addresses career exploration, enhancing resumes, college essays, college applications, being career ready, types of scholarships that are available, and choosing the right school. She said with seniors, the focus is on future planning.
Puleo said they also offer resources for students to assist them through the college application process, with tours, financial information, and career exploration. Puleo said this year they won’t be able to host an in school college fair, but will offer virtual fairs, as well as virtual finance workshops. These will be held both during the day and in the evening to accommodate families.
“Despite all of the challenges that lie ahead, we look forward to working with our students,” Puleo said.
In response to a question from committee members Ramon Diaz, Jr. regarding help for seniors in their planning, Puleo said they have already requested letters of support from Sen. Elizabeth Warren and military academies on behalf of students. “That process began last spring, and over the summer,” she said.
Committee member Bo Sulivan said for juniors, this would be the time when students would be visiting colleges. “Is that happening?” he asked.
Healy said both things are happening, some in person tours and others remote. “Even if students aren’t all there, it is an important piece for students and parents to get on campus. All of those things are important to making the college process a success. We all need to work a little harder,” she said.
School Committee Vice Chair Tim O’Connor called the guidance department counseling timeline for 2021 “great.” “It gives students an idea of what will happen. I think people jump to the seniors, but you did talk about the social emotional support counselors provide to every level. What is going to be your biggest challenge this year, how are you positioning proactive support,” he asked.
Healy said she is most concerned about the students new to her as tenth graders, who she only knows as a name and a transcript. She said she is hoping to set aside time to enter classrooms through Google Meet and introduce herself to students in that way. “We did a lot of that last year, entering classrooms, being an observer,” she said.
Puleo encouraged families to reach out to the guidance department. “We’ve been doing this for many years. We’re here to help,” she said.
In response to a question from committee member Heather Sullivan about marginalized students who may be struggling and won’t reach out to them. Healy said through Naviance they sometimes get answers and disclosures they didn’t expect. She said teachers and administrators will also let them know if something’s off.
Committee member Cindy Sullivan asked if there would be any opportunities for face to face contact with seniors. “I would like to see opportunities for children to come to school, socially distancing if they wear masks. I’ve gotten questions for that; I don’t know what barriers would be.”
WHS Principal Charles Jendrysik said he would be open to the idea. “I do see the value in it. Once we’re all set, working with the health department, I would not be a roadblock to that,” he said.
Czaporowski said he also sees the value in it, and would bring it up to the safety committee, and report back.
“I’m saying one to one meetings if needed, and warranted. Human connection that the kids need can be done safely,” Cindy Sullivan said.
“I’m very confident in the school counseling department and adjustment counselors, we’re very prepared for that. One of the goals before Sept 14 is to have an outreach push by counselors to students, and also reach out to entering ninth graders. I think we’re well prepared; I’m very proud of what we’re doing right now,” Jendrysik said.
Committee member Diane Mayhew thanked the counselors for speaking to them. “Sometimes we forget how important school counseling is at this point, at turning points, with students going through difficult times. Now more than ever your expertise, your ability to reach students across the district is going to be crucial this year,” she said.
