Welcome to the second semester of junior year! This will be a busy time full of self-exploration, and it will go by faster than you can imagine.

With so much coming up, we never want our students to think, "I don't know what I don't know." Through frequent communication with your counselor and this monthly newsletter, you will always be kept informed.

Our goal is to help you navigate the bridge to your future plans in a low-stress manner; at the same time, we aim to help you stay on track with all necessary tasks.

Whether you are exploring college options, the workforce, or the military, plan to travel, or am not sure "what comes next," we are here for YOU. Each counselor is so excited to support and partner with students as they contemplate the next several years!

It's very common for juniors to wonder, "What should I be doing? What don't I know?" at this time of year. Ranging from scheduling next year's classes to scheduling your Junior Meeting, many exciting events are coming up.

SCHEDULING:

Core teachers are currently making course recommendations for next year. The portal will be open for students to access starting on Saturday, February 26th and will close on Tuesday, March 8th. It is expected that students please ask questions and discuss any concerns with their counselors during this time period, as opposed to after the portal closes.

Counselors will be meeting with juniors on Monday, February 14th to also give them this and more detailed information in person.

Finally, the override deadline is February 16th; override paperwork will not be accepted beyond that date. The Override Form can be found here.

JUNIOR MEETINGS:

Counselors will be in PLUS blocks at the beginning of March to discuss Junior Meetings. At these meetings, counselors will meet with students individually to discuss potential future plans and how to go about setting oneself up for success in the next several years. Parents and guardians are welcome, but not required, to take part. These meetings will start in March and run through May.

In the meantime, we recommend that students considering college begin thinking about what they want in a school...Do you want to stay local? Do you hope to sit in a large auditorium or a small classroom? Are you hoping for a specific religious affiliation or political climate on campus? These are all important questions to consider. Along those lines, we recommend that students research (and absolutely tour, when possible) colleges sometime between February and April break. Record your observations!

There will be much more information to share during our PLUS block visits, including how to sign up for appointments with your individual counselor.

Have you ever wondered what Admissions Officers think about the college application process? What advice would they give to prospective students?

Filmed in 2021, the College Planning Webinar posted below features Admissions representation from The College of the Holy Cross, UMass Amherst, Middlesex Community College, Merrimack College, and more, and the advice and feedback given remain current.

Please take a look, and feel welcome to reach out with any questions!

We will continually update our Class of 2023 Google Classroom. For information on timelines, important events, testing, etc., please check back frequently.

https://classroom.google.com/c/NjMzMDA3NDAzNjBa?cjc=6z4ib7z

We all acknowledge that this has been a very difficult year for all people, regardless of age. Counselors are visiting with juniors in PRIDE block this week to remind them of the importance of mental health, positive coping skills, and reaching out on behalf of a friend or oneself when something doesn't feel right.

Additionally, mental health resources will be posted in every classroom at CHS within the next several weeks.

We encourage any student to speak to a counselor, teacher, coach, and/or another trusted adult when and if they or a friend need support. In the instance of an emergency, please go to the closest emergency room or call 911.

The World Language Department is excited to announce its French and Spanish exchange programs for 2022-23! This program is a great opportunity to travel and improve your language skills and cultural knowledge. It's a wonderful experience to have before going off to college AND an amazing experience to write about in your college essay.

For more information, including links to the parent presentations and the travel itineraries, please visit the World Language page:

https://chelmsfordschools.org/programs/world-languages/cultural-exchanges-and-student-travel-opportunities/

French exchange: https://chelmsfordschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Parent-Meeting-French-Exchange.pdf

Spanish exchange: https://chelmsfordschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Malaga-Exchange-Trip-Parent-Mtg-1.12.22.pdf

Dan McGrath joins the Chelmsford High School Counseling Department after spending the last three years as a school counselor at Dartmouth High School in Dartmouth, MA. In Dartmouth, he also coordinated the credit recovery program and summer school. Prior to that, he worked as a paraprofessional at Tewksbury Memorial High School and as a Customer Service Manager at Hannaford Supermarkets.

Mr. McGrath grew up in North Chelmsford and graduated from Chelmsford High School in 2009 as a member of Emerson House. Upon graduation, he attended the College of the Holy Cross, earning a BA in Political Science with a Concentration in Peace and Conflict Studies, and Assumption College, where he earned his MA in School Counseling.

In his free time, Mr. McGrath enjoys watching sports, attending concerts, going to the movies, and competing in trivia as an avid consumer of pop culture. As a student, his favorite school lunch was Salisbury Steak; he is really hoping this is the year it makes a return to the menu!

The School Counseling Department is thrilled to welcome Ms. Alex Cunningham to our very own Career Center. Ms. Cunningham brings a wealth of knowledge to the Department and cannot wait to support our students as they plan for the future.

Read on to learn more about the Career Center and Ms. Cunningham!

View for the Career Center: I am excited to put a modern spin on the Career Center and ensure it is a warm and welcoming environment where all students at Chelmsford High School can feel comfortable dropping by and accessing resources for planning their future college and career opportunities.

Special Events/Services: Students will be able to come into the Career Center to access support with college and career exploration, get connected with business and employment opportunities, access workshops in Resume Writing, Interview Skills, Importance of Digital Footprint, Work Readiness Skills, and more. They can also access work permits and transcripts.

Background Info: I did my undergrad at the University of New Hampshire, where I dual-majored in Criminal Justice and Psychology and minored in Forensic Science. I went to Southern New Hampshire University for my Master's degree in Forensic Psychology. I've worked with young adults for around three years now, and two of those were specifically on career advising.

A Fun Fact: I'm overly obsessed with English Bulldogs... I love their goofiness! I have one named Luna.

If you ARE an animal lover (clearly, our Department consists of many of these folks!), don't miss our therapy dogs, which come to CHS the first Tuesday of every month (and sporadically on other dates, as well). Our friends at She's A Keeper Dog Training always bring several furry guys and gals to entertain, play, and provide comfort. Check out our announcements for more information!

Coordinator of Social Emotional

Learning and Counseling Services

Pre-K-12

bischoffs@chelmsford.k12.ma.us