Guidance Gazette - Swampscott High School

Guidance Gazette
Volume 1, Issue 1 June 2011
News in the Guidance Department
Welcome to the first issue of the Swampscott High School guidance department newsletter.
This monthly newsletter will help keep you informed of the important happenings in the guidance department
that affect students and parents throughout the year. Please check out our Guidance Website for more up-to
date information and links to other useful sites.
As many of you know, Mr. Solazzo is retiring this year after returning from retirement as interim director
last year. Ms. Emily Zotto is the new director of the department, she brings a lot of enthusiasm and knowledge
to our team and we are excited to have her in charge.
Mrs. Jenn Magary is our new guidance counselor. Jenn has spent the past year as an intern in the department
and her familiarity with the students and faculty will make for a smooth transition. She recently
graduated with her Masters Degree in Education for School Counseling from Salem State University.
Mrs. Anna Skillings and Ms. Judith Pressler will be returning in the fall. Although they will be splitting
the work week, each counselor is available to help the other’s case load on their days in the office. There are
always 3 counselors available, 5 days a week, as well as Mrs. Brown. Mrs. Brown is the administrative assistant
in the department, and is more than likely able to assist students with day to day occurrences, or at least
direct them to the appropriate person.
Mrs. Samiljan remains as the registrar, responsible for the student data base, grades, progress reports
and numerous other tasks. Dr. Robert Trant is returning for his 24th year as the school psychologist.
The guidance department wishes you all a relaxing summer and we look forward to working with you
and your students in the fall as the college application process begins for seniors. We are anxious to continue
our guidance curriculum, working with returning underclassmen as well as a new class of freshmen. As always,
feel free to call with questions or concerns.
Does your son or daughter need SUMMER SCHOOL? If a student report card shows one or two “F” grades
under any one or two quarters in one course, the student is eligible for credit recovery through Beverly or Salem
High School. If he/she has more than two "F" grades in any course for more than two quarters, he/she can
only opt for a Salem State University, North Shore Community College course, or a BYU online course, in order
to meet SHS Curriculum standards.
Call Guidance for details or more information. Reminder: All students are required to have passed 4 years of
English for graduation!
VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL (VHS):
Virtual High School Registration is still open! If your son or daughter wants to take an online course and
choose from hundreds of options, please see Guidance or Ms. Comparato as soon as possible!
Go to govhs.org and click on “Academics” then “VHS Catalog” to see all of the course options.
ALL STUDENTS:
SUMMER HOMEWORK!!!!!
CHECK THE SWAMPSCOTT HIGH SCHOOL
WEBSITE FOR A LIST OF ALL ASSIGNMENTS IN ALL
COURSES (NOT JUST ENGLISH!)

Guidance Gazette
Volume 1, Issue 1 June 2011
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
June 15 Last day of class for underclassmen
June 16 Finals: per 1 – 8:30, per 2 – 11:30
June 17 Finals: per 3 – 8:30, per 4 – 11:30
June 20 Finals: per 5 - 8:30, per 6 – 11:30
June 21 Finals: per 7 – 8:30
June 22 Finals: make-up – 8:30, LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
FRESHMEN:
Please remember to check with your counselor for next year’s assignments, some assignments have changed!
SOPHOMORES:
Make sure you meet with your counselor if you have not taken PE/HEALTH, EXPOSITORY WRITING OR COMPUTER
APPS
JUNIORS:
Please be sure to meet with your counselor before the end of the year to discuss the college application process and to
review what you should be doing over the summer to prepare for the fall.
CHECK THAT ALL OF YOUR GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLETE– DON’T FORGET
MCAS AND 4 YEARS OF ENGLISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SHS – Counseling Staff
Phone – 781-596-8876; fax 781-599-2034
Emily Zotto (Director) – zotto@swampscott.k12.ma.us
Jennifer Magary (Counselor) – magary@swampscott.k12.ma.us
Judith Pressler (Counselor) – pressler@swampscott.k12.ma.us
Anna Skillings (Counselor) – skillings@swampscott.k12.ma.us
Lisa Brown (Administrative Assistant) – lbrown@swampscott.k12.ma.us
Brenda Samiljan (Registrar) – samiljan@swampscott.k12.ma.us

STEP UP DAY
June 3rd, 2011
Peer Mentors welcomed the Swampscott Middle
School 8th graders and new students coming to
SHS from private schools on STEP UP DAY at
Swampscott High School. The students participated
in various academic workshops, attended
the Sports and Clubs Expo, toured the building,
and enjoyed the delicious cafeteria food.
We look forward to the Class of 2015 joining us in
the fall!
Photos taken by
Caitlin Marshall,
2014
STAR PROGRAM INTRODUCTION X-BLOCK JUNE 6TH AND 13TH
Swampscott High
School is pleased to
announce a new, student-led, after-school club, called the STAR program (Students Taking Active Roles). Students
were introduced to this program during recent Monday X-Block assemblies. The program is modeled after JROTC and is
administrated by the U.S. Army. It emphasizes leadership through installing the Army's Values-based Loyalty, Duty, Respect,
Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal courage (LDRSHIP) doctrine. The program incorporates military
topics such as Army history and values, while also teaching them non-military topics such as problem solving, team
building, physical fitness, health, and time management. There will also be opportunities for community service projects,
field trips, award banquets, and more.
An additional thanks to Dan Enos and Taylor Negron for helping to integrate this new program into our community!
Counselor Assignments 2011-2012
YOG 2015 2014 2013 2012
Jenn Magary ALL A-E
Emily Zotto F-Z G-N
Judith Pressler A-F A-L
Anna Skillings O-Z M-Z