Guidance services are available to all students, faculty and staff at TA. School counselors work with students to support their academic, social, and emotional functioning. We help students plan optimal course selections, explore career and education opportunities after high school, and negotiate personal and social issues.

Each student has one of three school counselors. In general, students are divided by alphabet, although both students and counselors can make changes. Students are also welcome to choose any counselor for personal issues.

Additional Counseling Resources in the Guidance Department
Zack Scott, Student Assistance Professional, Mondays and Thursdays
Dianne Griggs, Vermont Student Assistance Corp. Outreach Counselor, Gear Up
Anne Bridges, Vocational Rehabilitation Division, School Transition Counselor

Communications with Parents
We encourage frequent conversations between home and school. Counselors will call home when we have academic, social, or safety concerns about students. We look forward to hearing from family members who have thoughts or concerns about their students' academic performance, attendance; social functioning in school, and post-secondary plans.

Annual Guidance Programs and Activities
Please see the Guidance Calendar 2009-2010 for specific dates of events.
We offer a variety of services and activities designed to build skills for learning and planning future choices for education and careers. We help all students plan their course registration to meet their academic needs and interests.

Grade 7
"Quick Chat" - individual conferences to check in on progress.
Meet with all advisory groups to talk about adjusting to Thetford Academy, Guidance availability and resources.
Life Skills course taught in conjunction with the PE health unit for 3 weeks.

Grade 8
Meet with all advisory groups to talk about adjusting to 8th grade.
Job Shadow Day-March.
Orientation for incoming 9th graders.

Grade 9
Meeting with all advisory groups to talk about adjusting to high school, setting academic and personal goals.
"Freshman Fifteen" - individual conferences to check in on the first year's progress.

Grade 10
Meeting with all advisory groups to set academic and personal goals for the year.
PSAT for some sophomores in October.
Complete Do What You Are with counselors (personality -career matches).
Investigate Choices post-secondary program for college selection with counselors.

Grade 11
PSAT in October
College admissions representatives at TA
Career and College Night for juniors and their parents
Junior conferences to confirm credits, courses for senior year, begin post-secondary planning (research college list, possible employment)
SAT Prep Course
College Fair

Grade 12
Senior/Parent Information Night
College admissions representatives at TA
Finalize career or college plans, applications, and recommendations
Family meetings with all seniors
VSAC "Paying for College Night"
"Life After TA"
Financial Aid Forms Night