Academics at Saint Mary High School

Guidance Office

Staff:
Mr. Michael Hourihan
Director of Guidance and Dean of Students

Mrs. Kimberlee Jaszek
Assistant Director of Guidance and Project Manager

The Guidance Office is located in the Flahive-Hellstein Center adjacent to the Main Office.

The Guidance Department offers students opportunities to gain assistance with the variety of issues that they will encounter during their four high school years. As unique individuals, our students have available to them counseling that can include personal, academic, college and career issues. The Guidance Center at Saint Mary High School provides a point of reference for both students and faculty to assess the progress each student is making during their time here. For younger students in the freshman and sophomore classes, acclimating to the high school years is paramount to their success. Students are welcome to spend time in the Guidance Department to become acquainted with the various resources available. They will find that proper course selection, effective study habits and the achievement of grades according to their academic abilities contributes to a balanced experience. Older students in the junior and senior years begin to examine their potential for the college years and the Guidance Department is there to assist them with fulfilling their high school credit requirements, the taking of national exams such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and the college application process that leads them to the next chapter of their lives. More specifically...

In grades 9 and 10, students are welcome to come to the Guidance Department to review course requirements and develop a 4 year academic plan. It is a good time to become acquainted with the various resources available.

In grade 11, Juniors begin the college search program and are advised about PSAT dates, SAT dates and College Fair dates. Eleventh grade students are welcome to use the guidance computer lab as well as books available in the Guidance Center. At the end of the Junior year, students are given a “Becoming a Senior” guidebook to help prepare for the following year.

Grade 12 students spend a great deal of their free time in the Guidance Office preparing their applications for college. After having had an opportunity to visit potential colleges during the summer and early in their Senior year, students are generally ready to narrow down their choices and prepare for the application process. Seniors usually schedule in a fall SAT test as well as SAT II’s and ACT tests if needed. Teacher and Guidance Counselor recommendations are prepared and kept in each student’s personal file along with updated transcripts. After watching the students grow for four years, the Guidance Office assists each senior in getting their college applications out in a timely fashion while anxiously awaiting each student’s acceptance into the college of their choice.