School Counseling
School Counseling
NFA's school counseling team poses during the 2nd annual "What's Next For Me?" event.
The mission of the Norwich Free Academy School Counseling department is to provide a comprehensive program that assists all students in acquiring the tools and skills necessary to become responsible citizens, successful in personal and professional lives, and lifelong learners. We strive to produce graduates who are self-directed, realistic, and contributing members of our diverse community. We will achieve our mission through advocacy, collaboration with students, families, school personnel, and community stakeholders, and delivery of a comprehensive school counseling program.
9th grade
Welcome 9th grade Wildcats! Your first year of high school is an exciting time, but it can also be challenging. As your school counselors, we look forward to working with you as you explore new subjects, get involved in your school and community, and investigate different interests and career pathways. We can’t wait to work with you!
Meet Your Counselors
What's happening in 9th grade?
During September, school counselors will meet with students to share the “How Does High School Work” presentation, which aims to familiarize students with high school expectations. Click here to view an example of this presentation.
Additionally, during their freshman year, students will be introduced to Naviance, a personal college and career readiness and planning program. Students will use this program throughout their time at NFA to explore career options, better understand their personalities, and more. Check out this video for an overview of Naviance. This year, counselors will conduct the Career Cluster Finder lesson with 9th graders. Click here to watch an example of this lesson.
Planning Meetings
All 9th grade students meet one on one with their assigned counselor starting in January. During this meeting, counselors discuss with students first semester progress, graduation requirements, using Naviance for career exploration, 10th grade course selection opportunities, and taking advantage of the extensive opportunities NFA offers. Once meetings are completed, counselors hold a virtual evening session for parents/guardians to hear the same presentation. Click HERE to view this year's presentation.
10th grade
Welcome to 10th grade! We’re excited to work with you as you begin to explore your career and college possibilities. As your school counselors, we hope to provide you with opportunities to grow as a person, scholar, and future professional.
Meet Your Counselors
What's happening in 10th grade?
In 10th grade, students complete the Career Interest Profiler assessment in Naviance and participate in a classroom lesson conducted by school counselors. Counselors review assessment results and guide students in using Naviance to explore career options. A brief overview of the classroom lesson can be seen here.
Planning Meetings
All 10th grade students meet in small groups with their assigned counselor in March. During this meeting, counselors discuss graduation requirements, using Naviance for career exploration, PSATs, taking advantage of the extensive opportunities NFA offers, and more. Once meetings are completed, counselors hold a virtual evening session for parents/guardians to hear the same presentation. This presentation will be available for viewing after the event takes place.
11th grade
Welcome to 11th grade! This is the year that you will really start to think about what might come next for you when you graduate from NFA. As your school counselors, we are excited to help you explore your college and career goals in more detail and assist you in developing a plan for life after NFA.
Meet Your Counselors
What's happening in 11th grade?
In September, 11th grade counselors will push into English classes to discuss the PSATs, College Board, and the beginning steps of planning for life after NFA. Click here to view that presentation.
Students will continue to use the self-discovery tools in Naviance to explore careers and create lists of potential colleges or career interests. Here’s a short video to show you how to navigate the self-discovery section in Naviance
Planning Meetings
All 11th grade students will meet in small groups with their assigned counselor in February & March. During this meeting, counselors will review options for life after NFA, outline the college application process, discuss standardized testing options, and more. Once meetings are completed, the counselors will hold a virtual evening session for parents to hear the same presentation. Once meetings are completed, the counselors will hold a virtual evening session for parents to hear the same presentation. This presentation can be viewed here.
Counselors will begin meeting with juniors and their parents/guardians individually in April to assist each student in preparing for their future. These meetings will continue through senior year. After this scheduled meeting, counselors are available to meet with students and families as needed to solidify future plans. Please contact your student's school counselor with any questions.
12th grade
Welcome to 12th grade! This year will be unique in so many ways, and your school counselors are here to support you. Whether you are planning to apply to a four-year college/university, planning to attend a two-year community college, join the military, or enter the workforce, our goal is to assist every student in developing a concrete plan for life after NFA
Meet Your Counselors
What's happening in 12th grade?
In September, counselors will meet with all seniors in groups to review the post-secondary planning process. Additionally, counselors will hold a virtual evening session for parents/guardians to review the same information. Click here to view the presentation.
Planning Meetings
Throughout the second semester of junior year and into the first semester of senior year, all students are scheduled to meet individually with their assigned counselor to discuss plans for life after NFA. After this scheduled meeting, counselors are available to meet with students and families as needed to solidify future plans. Please contact your student's school counselor with any questions.
College & Career Center
Anne Macaione Mitchell 44' College & Career Center
College & Career staff are able to assist with the following:
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Resume Writing
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Interview Skills
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Working Papers
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Common Application Support
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Navigating Naviance
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Job Shadowing/Internship Opportunities
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Military Info, ASVAB, & Recruiter Visits
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Scholarship Search & Opportunities
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College/Trade/Technical School Virtual Visits
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Employment Opportunities
Students can visit the Anne Mitchell College and Career Center during open hours when they are in a study hall, in lunch or with classroom teacher's permission. If a student needs to schedule a time please email College and Career Center staff to schedule a meeting. Students are encouraged to set up an appointment in advance to visit the Anne Macaione Mitchell '44 College and Career Center.
Resources
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 am- 1:30 pm
Room: Latham 1221
Mitchell College and Career Center staff:
Sherlyne Alcena alcenas@nfaschool.org