• Assist each student with educational and career planning, and in this process help the student explore his or her own interests and abilities. Also necessary is to aid the student in learning about various aspects of the world of work. 

• Assist the individual student in understanding himself/herself, make the most of his or her interests, aptitudes and abilities, develop skills in decision-making, as well as working and relating with others, and learn to apply age appropriate problem solving skills in daily situations. 

Guidance services are always available when a student is reevaluating his or her program and educational plans.  Counselors are available to deal with all students whether it concerns personal, academic or career issues.  Additionally, counselors handle parent requests for student-parent-teacher-counselor conferences, and arrange interviews at a time convenient to all parties.

 GUIDANCE SERVICES AND FACILITIES

1.     Testing:  Counselors are involved with the administration of standardized tests, HSPA, PSAT/SAT, AP exams, as well as an interest inventory and the ASVAB. 

2.      Senior Interviews:  Every twelfth grader is seen in October to discuss future goals. The discussion may cover admissions, the applications, financial aid, and visits to colleges, technical schools, armed services or other career choices. The counselors review all completed course work, GPA, class rank, and graduation requirements for a final check. 

3.      College Fair:  Each year in October, students are invited to a college fair at Gloucester County College sponsored by the Gloucester County Professional Counselors Association. In addition, field trips are advertised to visit Salem Community College for college/career fairs in the fall and spring, as well as, visits to Historically Black Colleges and Universities fairs. 

4.      Eighth Grade Parents Orientation:  This three-part program consists of a visit to the Intermediate School and two evening visits at the high school for parents and students.  In the Fall, the parents tour the building and visit each department.  In the Spring, the High School Program Planning Guide is presented.  This program planning guide contains school polices and programs, graduation requirements, and a complete list of courses offered and course descriptions.  It is prepared annually by Guidance. 

5.      Freshman Orientation:  In August, the counselors are involved in Freshman Orientation.  On that day, incoming freshmen are invited to receive materials, hear a motivational speaker, and enjoy lunch.  During the school year, freshman counselors visit the freshmen via computer application classes.  Transition to high school, study skills, decision making are discussed.  Also, the students are introduced to career education including careers, college search, and vocational training. 

6.   I&RS (formerly P.A.C.):  The Guidance Department is an integral part of the Pupil Assistance Committee. 

7.  Underclassmen Parent Night:  Underclassmen and parents are exposed to such topics as SAT/PSAT preparation, course selection, financial planning, AP courses, and high school decisions in general.

8.  Financial Aid Workshop:  In January, a workshop is given by a financial aid officer from a neighboring college to explain the application procedures. 

9. Senior Parent Night: In September of senior year, parents and students are invited to attend an evening of discussion pertaining to the process of selecting and applying to colleges, financial aid, and senior year activities in general.

10.  Holiday Homecoming:  GHS graduates are invited to a holiday breakfast and have the opportunity to share their college/career/armed service experiences with our juniors and seniors.