General Questions:
How can I schedule a meeting with my counselor?
To schedule an appointment with Mr. Ream or Mrs. Jango-Cohen - please use the button on the home page to make an online appointment request, click the menu item in the Quick Links navigation menu or visit https://calendly.com/nths-counseling - this service is linked to my live calendar so you can see the times I am available that work within your schedule.
If it is an emergency regarding someone's safety - please come to the office and inform an adult immediatly.
If it is an emergency regarding someone's safety - please come to the office and inform an adult immediatly.
How does my student get referred to the counselor?
Students can see their School Counselor via self-referral, parental request, request of the counselor, administrative referral, and/or teacher or staff referral.
How many school counselors work at NTHS?
Two! Mrs. Jennifer Jango-Cohen works with the odd graduating classes (class of 2025, 2027, 2029, etc) and Mr. Ream works with the even graduating classes (2026, 2028, 2030, etc)
Will you notify me if you spoke to my child?
Parents are notified at the discretion of the counselor. State law and ethical practice requires notification of appropriate adults (admin, parent, law enforcement, CPS, etc.) in instances of risk to self, risk to others or a student is in danger. Confidentiality is an important component of the student/counselor relationship. We err on the side of caution whenever possible.
Am I in trouble if I see the School Counselor?
When you receive a slip with the Counselor’s name on it, it does not mean you have been called in because you are in trouble or “bad.” In fact, a counselor is an adult who acts as your advocate! An advocate is someone who wants to listen to what you have to say and help you come up with reasonable solutions to making your situation better. It does not mean that your counselor can solve the problem for you; it does mean that you have a safe place that you can go to when you are not sure what to do.
What is our CEEB/School code?
Our CEEB code is 053537. This code is issued by Educational Testing Service and is used for SAT and ACT testing. College applications also may request the code.
About School Counselors:
What is the focus of a school counselor?
The primary focus of the school counselor is to help students be ready to learn. We focus on the areas of academic development, social & emotional development, and college/career awareness and exploration. We work with all students, either individually, in small groups or with whole classes.
Do school counselors make mental health diagnoses?
School counselors do not make mental health diagnoses. We do, however, use direct observation, input from parents, teachers and other staff, and information from the student to create a portrait of the student in the school environment. This information is used by the counselor in conjunction with the teachers to determine strategies to help the student to be more successful in the school setting.
How is a school counselor different from a therapist?
School counselors help students to be ready for learning by providing short-term assistance with particular issues that may be acting as road blocks to the child’s education. Therapists treat mental health disorders in an on-going, usually regularly scheduled basis. If a child is upset or distressed in school, we will work with the child in order to help the child be ready to learn. For issues that go beyond the scope of school counseling, we can provide community resources to the parent.
Do school counselors work with parents too?
In addition to working with kids, School Counselors also work to help parents and teachers solve problems, too. For example, we might help parents set up outside counseling for their child, or offer suggestions for problems that are happening at home. We might work with teachers to set up behavior plans for students who are having trouble behaving in class, or work with them to brainstorm different strategies to help a student get the most out of their classes.
I have questions about an IEP or Special Education.
While school counselors oversee and do a lot - the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and special education is an area we contribute to, but are not in charge of. If you have questions about special education, assessments, or other resources within that realm - please contact our school psychologist.
Academics:
Can a student receive high school credit for courses taken in middle school?
Students may not earn credit for courses taken in middle school. Parents may request that high school level courses taken in 8th grade be added to a HS transcript if desired, but it is non-graded and non-credit bearing. It simply adds the course title. Most colleges accept self-reported (no grades or transcripts needed) classes used to meet minimum requirements in 8th on their applications.
Can students take a class Credit/No-Credit?
Yes and no. Students are able to take only certain classes as Pass/Fail (credit/no-credit). Staff assistant and Laker Pathways are the only classes able to be taken Pass/Fail. Early Bird Jazz Band may be taken for credit or not for credit - but it must be declared at the start of the year.
Is it possible to withdraw from a course?
Yes - but the withdraw falls under the NTHS Add/Drop policy. Please see the enrollment papers or this link to access the Add/Drop policy.
How many Advanced Placement classes should a student take?
Students should consider the increased time needed to successfully handle the rigor of AP courses, and not select more AP courses than they can realistically handle. AP courses are college level courses. Students may enroll in any AP course for which they are qualified, but should exercise judgment. Typically - no more than three or four at any given time is suggested.
How much should a student study?
The answer depends on each student and their individual skills, challenges and courseload. NTHS suggests 1-2 hours minimum per school night. Students taking honors or AP courses will require additional study time.
Study time is not simply homework. Students should review notes, work on projects, study for upcoming tests and quizzes, read, research and more. College level studying is typically not assigned work - but practice to be ready for a midterm or test.
Study time is not simply homework. Students should review notes, work on projects, study for upcoming tests and quizzes, read, research and more. College level studying is typically not assigned work - but practice to be ready for a midterm or test.