Staff & Services


 Monica Bell [email protected] ext. 12190
 Catherine Booth [email protected] ext. 12192
Jessica Vento [email protected] ext. 12191
 Melissa O'Donnell [email protected] ext. 12194
 Amilcan Rodriguez [email protected]  ext. 12197
 Karen Sakoff [email protected]  ext. 12196 

 

The School Counseling Department of Moorestown High School provides guidance and counseling services to all students from the time they enter high school until graduation. Programs provided by this department are designed to help all students develop their educational, social, career, and personal strengths and to become responsible and productive citizens. MHS school counselors help create and organize these programs, as well as appropriate counselor interventions.


School Counselors both oversee and advocate basic human rights in the educational process. As student advocates, the counselors are committed to individual uniqueness and the maximum development of human potential.
 
Code of Ethics
In serving our students the Guidance Department is bound by school policy and also a code of ethics, which is derived from the following basic tenets:
  1. Each person has the right to respect and dignity as a human being and to counseling services without prejudice as to person, character, belief or practice, regardless of age, color, disability, ethnic group, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or socioeconomic status.
  2. Each person has the right to self-direction and self-development.
  3. Each person has the right of choice and the responsibility for goals reached.
  4. Each person has the right to privacy and thereby the right to expect the counselor-counselee relationship to comply with all laws, policies, and ethical standards pertaining to confidentiality.
The School Counseling Department is committed to ensuring privacy and fairness to our school population.

High School Counseling Services
Over the past school year, the High School Counseling Office has continued to offer numerous services to high school students and their parents. The department provides guidance and counseling services to all students from the time they enter high school up to graduation. Counseling supports the academic component of the high school through a series of both planned and informal activities. The goal of the guidance process is to meet the individual needs of each student and to help students achieve a productive high school experience. Services are designed to help students with their educational, vocational, and social development.

College Application Process. In September, a  program is scheduled for all seniors and their parents on the college and post-secondary application process. Students and their parents learn about the process and timelines for sending transcripts, test scores, and counselor and teacher recommendations to colleges or other post-secondary institutions. TCCi/Naviance is the college-planning web-based program used to provide an historical perspective to college acceptance of MHS students.

College Representative Visits. Admissions representatives from colleges and universities visit our school to discuss their programs and admissions information. These meetings are held during 12th period in the Guidance Office. College visits are posted in Family Connection and the Daily Bulletin

College Planning Process. School counselors meet with all juniors to begin discussing college and post-secondary planning. Students learn what characteristics to look for as they are visiting or reading about various institutions. A planning packet is distributed to students to help them with this process.

Financial Aid Workshop. In September, a financial aid workshop is held for parents who are interested in learning more about sources for post secondary financial aid. The presenter discusses local and state scholarships and explains how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Scheduling Process. November also starts the scheduling process with the high school Program of Studies reviewed by teachers, supervisors, counselors, assistant principals, and principal. In December, subject area supervisors provide the counselors with recommendations for class and level placements. The Board of Education Curriculum Committee reviews Program of Studies recommendations. Students and parents can refer to the
SAT Subject Test chart to help them identify appropriate SAT Subject tests to attempt after the completion of specific high school courses. Additionally, information about the NCAA for students planning on competing in athletics at the college level  is provided.

In January, the school counselors meet with all supervisors to review changes to their program. During in-school seminars, students have an opportunity to review the course options with department supervisors and/or counselors. Additionally, the students review the program of studies options with his/her parents/guardians. An evening meeting for the parents of incoming freshmen is held to review high school life, programs and expectations.

During February and March, school counselors schedule individual conferences with students to discuss course options and to select courses. In this initial meeting, course selections in the five major subject areas are based on teacher recommendations. Course selections are also based on
New Jersey graduation requirements. 

 
Professional Associations