Guidance And Health

  Guidance Office: 978-827-1422 (Fax: 978-827-1423)      

       Nurse's Office: Mrs. Fredette - School:978-827-1425   (Fax: 978-827-4986)

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

Phone:   978-827-1422

Fax:      978-827-1423

Mrs. Cathy Keene           School Counselor  (Team 6Green, 7Red, 8Orange)

Mrs. Julie Gagnon           School Counselor  (Team 6Blue, 7Navy, 8White)

Mrs. Adele Bohenko       Adjustment Counselor

Dr. Richard Judah           School Psychologist

Mrs. Wendy Higgins       Guidance Secretary  

The function of the Guidance Department is to assist students in adjusting to the requirements of the overall curriculum and social life at Overlook Middle School and to help them attain the best possible preparation for continuing their secondary education.

The Guidance Department can provide students with a wide variety of services such as: personal, academic and career counseling, course selection and information about Oakmont Regional High School and Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School.

In addition, the Guidance staff is available for students to talk about personal, social, and academic concerns.  Counselors are available for parents/guardians to discuss their children’s progress.

The school counselors work closely with parents, teachers, administrators, and the special education staff. 

Students may receive a pass from time to time to meet with their school counselor.  However, students can arrange a meeting whenever needed, by stopping by the Guidance Office.  Students are welcomed and encouraged to visit with their counselor at any time. 

School Counselors

The counselors, in addition to their team responsibilities, are involved in the following:

·        Academic counseling

·        Crisis counseling (individual & group)

·        Home/school liaison activities

·        Transitional activities (elementary to middle school and middle school to high school)

·        Student registrations and transfers

·        School wide initiatives

 School Wide Initiatives Coordinated  by the Guidance Department:

·        Harmony Week

·        Teen Dating Violence Awareness

Adjustment Counselor

The adjustment counselor meets with students who have a counseling component as part of their individualized educational plan.

 School Psychologist

The school psychologist provides assessment and consultation services for the district through the special education department.

School Wide Programs established by the Guidance Department

Bullying Resources for Students and Teachers

  Pay It Forward -   Acts of Kindness

  Harmony  - with links to Internet sites.

   School Nurse  - Mrs. Ann-Lee Fredette

School: 978-827-1425  Fax: 978- 827-4986

Students should consult the school nurse when they have any problems or questions pertaining to health.  Medical treatment consists of first aid for injuries that happen in school and care for students who become ill during school hours.  Students who must take prescription or over-the-counter medication during the school day MUST have a medication order from a physician, dentist, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant, along with written consent signed by the parent/guardian on file in the nurse's office.  All medication must be in the original container, i.e. the prescription bottle which was dispensed from the pharmacy, taken under the supervision of the school nurse, and brought to school by a parent/guardian or a responsible adult, and given directly to the nurse.  ALL MEDICATIONS will be dispensed under the supervision of the nurse.

A student who wishes to see the nurse during school time must secure a pass from the teacher and should report directly to the nurse's office.  If the student needs to leave school during the day because of illness, the nurse will notify the parent/guardian so that they may arrange transportation for the student.  If your child calls you and tells you to pick them up because they are being dismissed for illness, something is not right.  Please call the School Nurse to verify the dismissal.  Students should not use the pay phone to call home for a dismissal.  Failure to follow this policy will result in an after school detention.

Screenings performed yearly, for all students, in accordance with the Massachusetts' Department of Health guidelines include the following:
*  postural screening
*  vision
*  hearing
*  weight
*  blood pressure

Physicals: Students entering Grade 6, all students who are new to the district, and all students participating in sports MUST have a physical.

Physical Examination for Competitive Sports

All students who participate in competitive sports must have a physical examination ANNUALLY.  The physical must be done prior to participation in the sport, which includes practice.  The physical exam must be done by an athlete's physician.  The physical exam must be forwarded to the school nurse BEFORE practice begins. All students physical exams are valid for one year and need to be updated for participation in any sport activity.  The physical exam form must include the date that the physical was given and state whether or not the student is physically fit for competitive sports. 

Health and Guidance Sites

National Association of School Nurses - Pertussis Immunization

Home Economics Resources Online - family health, child development and parenting, consumer education, and health issues
FDA Kids Home Page - includes health information for Teens.
CAPHIS - For Consumers MEDLINEplus - consumer and Patient Health Information 
National Library of Medicine's MEDLINEplus - health information for consumers.
Federal Health Information Centers and Clearinghouses 
Press Release: New Consumer Health Web Site
Food Safety - MA Department of Public Health Food Protection Program.
FoodSafety.gov - Gateway to Government -Food Safety Information
Straight Scoop News Bureau - Anti-drug site.

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