An Introduction to

Holmdel High School

Counseling Services

The purpose of the School Counseling Services Program is to help students learn to make their own decisions concerning life's many choices - educational, career/vocational, and personal.  Students are encouraged to seek assistance from their counselors. 

As fully as possible the Counseling Services Program will provide the information needed by students and parents/guardians to make informed decisions concerning students' educational programs.  Available information will include test scores, grades, and educational history. 

The Holmdel Counseling Services staff is committed to providing high quality personal service in an atmosphere of trust and support.

The Counseling Services Department staff consists of a Director of Counseling Services, five counselors, a student assistance counselor and two secretaries.  Students are assigned to counselors alphabetically and remain with the same counselor for four years.

SOME REASONS TO SEE YOUR COUNSELOR:

* Experiencing academic difficulty

*Personal problems that may impact academic performance

*To assist students with the college search/application/admission process

*To make available information on scholarship, financial aid and volunteer opportunities

*To help choose appropriate courses in light of high school graduation requirements as well as college admissions criteria.

*Explore career options

*Discuss post-secondary plans; college, work, military

*Help improve communication with teachers and parents

MAKING AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR COUNSELOR

There are appointment request forms (passes), color-coded with the counselor name located at the main counter in the Counseling Services Office.  A student needs to fill out a form including:

1. their first period teacher's name

2. their lunch period

3. a specific reason for the conference

Place the pass in the wire basket on the counter.   The student's first period/homeroom teacher will return the form to the student with the date and time of their scheduled appointment with their counselor.  Most appointments will be held during the student's lunch period.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE COUNSELOR

The Student Assistance Counselor is employed by the Holmdel Township School District to help students with any problem and/or issue that fall outside of the normal academic counseling services provided by the school.  In addition, the student assistance counselor is trained to assess and intervene with students who have problems due to drug and/or alcohol abuse.  All counseling services are protected by Federal Government Regulation.  Students may be referred to the student assistance counselor by teachers, parents, guidance counselors or peers.  Students may also refer themselves.  Short term individual and group work will be facilitated as needed.