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The Counseling Department of Holy Cross High School is committed to helping students understand themselves and the opportunities available to them in accordance with the Holy Cross mission statement, which encourages cultivation of hearts and minds.
Holy Cross High School offers students counseling and guidance on an individual and group basis concerning personal, academic, college, and career decisions. The guidance counselors work closely with the administration, faculty, and parents to meet the educational needs and aspirations of our students. Appointments may be initiated by students or counselors, or referrals may be made by administration, faculty or parents.
Meet our COUNSELING Staff
Mrs. Jodie LaCava McGarrity '93
Director of Counseling /
[email protected]
Ms. Briana Bradford '12
School Counselor
[email protected]
Our COUNSELING Department Provides Support in:
Academic Achievement
Our counselors provide one-on-one consultation with students as they embark on their academic journey through high school. Each counselor will ensure that their students acquire an arsenal of necessary tools, including time management, organizational skills, study habits and critical thinking.
Social Emotional Health & Development
The Social Emotional Health of our students is of the utmost importance. Our counselors are highly trained to provide support and counseling services to students in individual and group settings. Various speakers and presentations, along with our health curriculum, tackle issues our students face on a daily basis.
As evidenced in current times, there is a direct correlation between mental health and academic performance. We strive to offer an environment that is safe, nourishing and provides an outlet for students who may need extra support along the way.
College Preparation
College preparation for our students begins on their first day as a freshman and continues throughout their four years at Holy Cross. Counselors work closely with juniors and seniors to find college choices based on their talents and interests. We provide students with personal one-on-one interaction with college and university representatives from across the country (including on-site interviews and admissions) and access to local college fairs.
Three pieces of advice on how you prepare for college:
Stay Organized and Determined in your Academics
Stay focused and Explore your Interests
Communication is Key or Keep the lines of communication open
Special Accommodation Plans
Special Accommodation Plans are honored at Holy Cross for students who may require accommodations. Similar to a 504 plan, accommodations within our scope of services will be honored annually.
Special Education Services
Special Education Services are offered through the City of Waterbury School District. Students who qualify are eligible for one hour per week of services with a licensed Special Education Teacher from Waterbury.
The Guidance Process: Year By Year
The freshman year at Holy Cross High School is a time of self-exploration and transition. We will introduce new students to the school’s resources so they can maximize the integration of their talents and skills to our academic environment.
Special Programs for Freshmen
Freshmen Retreat & Orientation (August)
Group Meetings (Learning Styles/Individual Meetings) (September)
Freshman Foundations (October)
Presentation on Study Skills & Time Management: Preparing for Midterms (December)
Individual Meetings with Freshmen: Post-Midterm Check-In (February)
Academic Advising Meetings (March)
Goal-Setting for Sophomore Year (Resume) (May)
Goals of Freshmen Year
To learn study skills, time management, research strategies, and self-awareness
To acquaint freshmen with the school’s values, academic expectations, and spirit
To promote a positive adjustment to a new learning environment
To provide opportunities for students to develop connections with peers, faculty, and the Holy Cross community that will support and enrich their high school experience
To encourage freshmen to develop personal goals for high school, college, and life
To assist freshmen in defining the value of education
To help students learn how to balance their time with a sense of responsibility as part of the process of enhancing self-knowledge and self-confidence
To introduce students to the helping resources at Holy Cross, including Library Media Center, Math/Science/Writing/Language Labs, Peer Ministers and Guidance Services
To help strengthen students’ communication skills
To provide information on health and wellness issues
During their sophomore year, students will continue to learn core academic competencies. They will also be introduced to the self-assessment process, which identifies specific areas of interest, strengths/weaknesses, effective communication skills, study skills, and time management skills.
Special Programs for Sophomores
Presentation on Sophomore Year Goals/Naviance Refresher & Resume (September)
PSAT Test (October)
PSAT Test Results/Individual Meetings (December)
Career Planning Process Presentation/Career Interest Profiler (February)
Academic Advising Meeting (March)
Goal-Setting for Junior Year/Resume (April/May)
Goals of Sophomore Year
To focus their career exploration and develop a specific career action plan
To develop a positive view of self, family and community
To engage in self-assessment of interests, skills, abilities and strengths/weaknesses
To identify and explore professions that correspond to their interests
To formulate strategies to achieve their career goals
Junior year is a time to focus on future options and to prepare for college and/or career choices.. Students are encouraged to take the SAT or ACT during the spring of their junior year. At the end of junior year, they are prepared to continue their search and visits to colleges throughout the summer.
Special Programs for Juniors
Individual and group meetings (September)
PSAT Preparation & Administration (October)
College Search Learning Unit/PSAT Results (December)
Career Exploration Refresher: Do What You Are & RoadTrip Nation (February)
Academic Advising (March)
Junior Parent College Information Night/College Fair (March)
Individual Meetings: Check-In/College Search (April)
Presentation on College Application Process & Planning for College Visits(April)
Goals of Junior Year
To begin a comprehensive college search process which seeks to match each student with several possible colleges based on the individual student’s needs and preferences
To complete the PSATs in October
To assist students in their personal, academic, and career development
To prepare students for college admissions standardized testing
To prepare students for future plans through Naviance, individual meetings and group presentations
Senior year at Holy Cross is a time to apply to colleges or prepare for other career choices. Preparation for the college process will continue to build upon what was covered in the student’s junior year. At the beginning of their senior year, the students will meet in groups and individually with their counselor to discuss plans for the future. Services vary depending on the needs of the individual student; developing lists of colleges, advising future life goals, and ensuring a student meets graduation requirements are among topics discussed. Counselors will help facilitate the scholarship search and applications as well.
Special Programs for Seniors
Individual Meetings (September)
Senior Parent College Information & Financial Aid Evening (September)
SAT/ ACT Registration and Administration (October)
College Application Process (September through December)
Goals for Senior Year
To discuss plans for the future in group settings and one-on-one with guidance counselors
To assist students in their personal, academic, and career development
To prepare students for the college admissions process
To advise students with their future goals
To ensure students are prepared for the transition to college or career
