Counseling Access for 2020-2021
HOLLISTON HIGH SCHOOL - COUNSELING ACCESS
The role of school counseling (school counselors/adjustment counselors/social workers) is to support students so that they are better able to access the curriculum and appropriately plan coursework and post-high school choices. School Counseling is not a replacement for individual or family counseling; however, we are committed to providing you support during the school day and assisting you in finding outside resources when appropriate.
SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE
School counseling services are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY during this time. We encourage students to schedule an appointment time with their counselor during their remote learning days. With the exception of real-time urgent needs, students should have a scheduled appointment.
PHYSICAL SPACE AND DISTANCING
Given the small size of our office space, we are asking for no more than 3 staff members or students to be in the school counseling lobby area at one time.
Alerting your counselor of your arrival for your appointment: If there are already 3 people in the lobby area, please take a seat outside the counseling office. There will be a sign outside with the Google Voice numbers for all counseling staff which can be used to text your counselor to alert them that you have arrived for an appointment. If you are experiencing an urgent situation you do not have to wait in the lobby or the hall; you are welcome to come right in.
VIRTUAL ZOOM ROOM
The school counseling office will have a physical space which will be reserved for students who want to meet with their counselor virtually.
STUDENT ACCESS
Booking appointments: As you may know, you can book appointments through your counselor’s youcanbook.me link.
Links are available on the school counseling website https://sites.google.com/view/hollistonguidance. Click on your counselor’s name in the contact section at the bottom of the main page.
There will also be posters in all classrooms and throughout the building with a QR code which will link you to our website. If you need to see your counselor, please book an appointment. We will have same day appointments available.
Presenting a pass to your teacher: If your teachers ask for a pass for your appointment, please show them the confirmation email you received when booking the appointment.
Really struggling? Same Day Appointments: Again, if you are really struggling ask your teacher to call Mrs. Camiel in the school counseling office to see if a same day appointment can be made and in the meantime, take some deep breaths and use any tools you have to calm yourself. Click HERE for a short list of really effective coping strategies for those moments when your emotions are overwhelming. Your well-being is our first priority.
Announcing your arrival for your appointment: When you come down to the school counseling office, the counselor Google Voice numbers will be posted. You should text your counselor (name, grade and appointment time) to announce your arrival.
Appointments outside: Weather permitting, the counselors will be working outside and can be found on the corner lawn abutting the large parking lot and the lot at the front of the school.
COLLEGE VISITS
College rep visits will happen virtually this fall during DSB. Students are able to access the list of colleges who will be visiting in Naviance. We are fully booked (2 colleges per day) through Thanksgiving break. Students should remain in their physical classroom during rep visits.
Out of state college visits: If students are planning out of state college visits, attention should be paid to the school attendance and travel policy as outlined in the District Reopening Plan and the HPS Health and Safety Protocol.
FOCUS
Access to the physical Focus Continuum will be very limited this year: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY and a very limited number of students admitted at one time. Focus will have virtual drop-in DSB on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Email Ms. Shagin or Ms. Shiff for the link.
