Self-growth is an on-going process that involves both self-awareness and the desire to be the best we can be.   Whether we are teenagers or adults, we constantly strive to improve and maximize our potential. At Stafford High School, we encourage self-growth in a variety of ways. Through our academic programs and extra-curricular activities, we provide students with opportunities to learn more about themselves and to gain greater exposure to the world in which they live.

Additionally, the developmental guidance curriculum at the high school is geared towards supporting student self-growth. This program provides students with a program that covers topics that include:

The High School and You A New Year, A New Start Decision Making Time Management Stress Management Keys to Academic Success How to Study

 

Counseling services are available to students, and in addition to two guidance counselors and a UConn counseling intern, the high school is staffed by a full-time social worker and a school psychologist.  All of these individuals work with individual students as well as small and large groups of students to address identified needs. They also serve as a referral agent for students and parents seeking additional services within the larger community. Parents, teachers and students may access these services if needed, and are encouraged to work cooperatively with our staff to make the educational experience as positive as possible.

Self-growth also occurs when we are of service to others.  The SHS Service Corps provides student with opportunities to be of service within our school and community, but there are also volunteer opportunities at Johnson Memorials Hospital, through local churches, and a number of national agencies.  Students may want to check out www.pointsoflight.org, www.servenet.org, or www.americorps.org for service opportunities.

MS. JOLENE PISCETELLO  received her Bachelor's Degree in social work from Western Connecticut State University and her Master's Degree in social work from Fordham University. A Connecticut state licensed clinical social worker, Ms. Piscetello brings varied experiences to Stafford High School.  She has worked in the school district for the past three years and has provided services for both elementary and secondary students,.   Prior to her position within the Stafford Public Schools, she worked as a social worker at a residential treament school, and she has served as a family support team in-home clinician and a provider of out-patient therapy to children and adolescents.

In her capacity as the high school social worker, Ms Piscetello serves as a liaison to outside agencies and works directly with the court and probation offices to support students. She is a central member of the Educational Support Team and in this role works with high school administrators and counselors to develop plans to effect positive improvement in individual student performance.  Ms. Piscetello provides students with individual counseling, works with small groups of students to mediate concerns,  and provides asistance in crisis intervention. She serves as an advocate for students in a variety of arenas and counsels with parents who seek support as they deal with the demands of raising a teenager.

Whether she is working with a student with a suspected eating disorder, counseling a drug-involved student, or interceding with a teacher on behalf of a student, Ms. Piscetello strives to help students realize their full potential and take advantage of all that SHS has to offer..Please feel free to contact Ms. Piscetello if she can be of help as your student progresses through the high school. She may be reached at 684-4233 ext. 3007 or via email at piscetelj@stafford.ctschool.net

MS. JAMIE DONNELLY

MS. JAMIE DONNELLY is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA and has a master's degree and sixth year certificate from the University of Hartford. A nationally certified school psychologist, she has worked with students from kindergartren through grade twelve.  Her past  experience includes working with the West Hartford and New Britain school districts. She is presently in her second year of working with the students at Stafford High School.

In her capacity as a school psychologist, Ms. Donnelly is responsible for the individual testing of students enrolled at the high school.  She also counsels students in both small groups and individually.  She is available as a resource for staff memebrs and welcomes inquiries from parents and students as she strives to support the attianment of the SHS mission of developing Productive, Responsible, Independent learners Dedicated to Excellence (PRIDE). 

Ms. Donnelly is actively involved in the life of the high school.  She serves as coordinator of the Freshmen Transition program that is designed to assure the postiive adjustment of middle school students into the high school.  She works as a mentor for a small group of ninth graders, and can often be seen at many school events.  Ms.  Donnelly's services can be accessed directly by students on a self-referral basis or by  parental request. Feel free to contact her at 684-4233 ext 3017  if she can be any assistance  in assuring the social and emotional adjutsment of students.

Many times, students and parents have social concerns that they wish to research on their own. There are a number of web sites that offer information on self-growth topics.  We have linked to one of these sites, but you may find others by entering your area of interest into a search engine.  SelfGrowth.com has over 3000 self-help articles and a directory of 4,000 web sites from which you can choose.  After reviewing this site, let us know what you think.  Additionally, if you have any specific questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact us.  We are here to serve you!