IMPORTANT DATES:

JUST A REMINDER FOR APPLICATION DUE DATES:

Please see new 8th grade information posted below on this page 11/11/20.

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

Please see Staff Directory for links to counselor/psychologist's individual websites 

School Psychologists 

  • Shelby Reig - Grade 8 and Grade 6 Green Team

  • Kacey Jarjura - Grade 7 and Grade 6 Red Team

School Social Worker

  • Sofia Riddick - Grades 6, 7, & 8

School Counselors

  • Julie Ayer – Grade 6

  • Lisa Dorso – Grade 7

  • John Anastasio – Grade 8

If you have any questions or concerns throughout the school year, please reach out to us via phone or email. The main number to Swift is 860-945-4830, however you can also call us directly. If we are not able to take your call, please leave a voice mail on our private and confidential lines, and we will return your call as soon as we are able.

This school year promises to bring expectations and experiences that are new to ALL of us. We have been working hard to welcome you back to school in a safe environment. School as you know it will look different, but we’re are here to help you navigate it every step of the way. Please let us know how we can help make this year a great experience for you and your child.

Attention Parents/Guardians of 8th Grade Students:  

I wanted to share some information and additional reminders regarding high school:

- Watertown High School:

o The high school counselors will be visiting our 8th grade students in February to start the course registration process! Prior to this, parents will have the opportunity to review a list of 9th grade courses and electives with their students. More info to come!

o In the Spring, students will have the opportunity to visit WHS to learn more about how courses/credits work and to familiarize themselves with the building!

- Ellis Clark Regional Agriscience Program (Nonnewaug):

o Since applications and materials are due to Nonnewaug High School on December 1st, I am asking that applications and recommendations be submitted to me by November 22nd at the latest due to the fact that it takes time to gather student records and all necessary materials that need to be sent along with the application.

o The digital application can be edited, saved, and then sent to Mr. Anastasio (AnastasioJo@watertownps.org) via email. You may also print the completed application and send it into school. For pages that require parent/student signatures, you MUST print those pages and sign them as directed. The application and student records cannot be sent without all required signatures.

o Students applying to Nonnewaug MUST have a personal (cannot be related to the student), teacher, and counselor recommendation completed (3 total). These forms are listed below the application link on the Nonnewaug High School website and can be sent out electronically via email.

- Kaynor Technical High School:

o The 2024-25 School Year application for Kaynor Technical High School has not been released on their website. It was in fact scheduled to release today, but they are experiencing some technical difficulties. They have advised me to let parents know that they can continue checking the link over the next week to see if it has opened. The application link is https://kaynor.cttech.org/apply/

o Students/Parents will need to do the following:

§ Create an account and complete the online application with your child. The application will automatically save its progress and does NOT have to be completed in one sitting.

§ Request one letter of recommendation from their school counselor. There will be a spot in the application to enter my email for the recommendation: AnastasioJo@watertownps.org

§ Students must complete the “Student Interest Statement” directly into the application form. (Students should take adequate time to answer this question as it is a critical component of the application process.)

§ Even though they are experiencing difficulties with the application upload, the priority deadline for submission of a completed application will still be December 15th, 2023.

§ Notify your child’s school counselor (Mr. Anastasio) that you have completed the online application.

§ Email confirmation will be sent to parent/guardian once the application is submitted.

§ Initial offering letters will be sent to families in February.

- Private High Schools:

o I would like to encourage those that are applying to private schools to make sure that they are checking that school’s website for important dates and/or information. Please make sure that you have reviewed the admissions requirements for that particular school and are following the appropriate steps.

If you have any questions or concerns about the application process please call me or email me! I can be reached by phone @ 860-945-4610 or by email @ AnastasioJo@watertownps.org.

Sincerely,

John Anastasio

8th Grade School Counselor

We have attached some links to resources that might help be helpful to you and your child as we all navigate this school year.

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/supporting-your-childs-mental-health-during-covid-19-school-return

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/helping-children-cope-with-changes-resulting-from-covid-19

https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html