Haverhill Public Schools Counseling Department
Jami Dion, Director of Guidance, Counseling & Student Support Services
Megan Arivella, Supervisor of School Counseling
Our Mission
Haverhill Public Schools Counseling Department is committed to cultivating a growth mindset in every student through a holistic and inclusive approach to navigate challenges, build self-awareness, and achieve full potential. We aim to provide all students a safe and nurturing environment to gain essential resources, guidance and comprehensive support to make informed decisions about their own well-being and college, career and post secondary choices.
We are excited for the school year, as it brings many valuable opportunities for our middle school students. Students and families can find important information on the School Counseling and CTE (Career and Technical Education) webpage, which is currently being updated. In alignment with the latest guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regarding access to CTE schools, districts are now required to provide information about CTE/vocational programs and career pathways through a variety of methods. We will also be providing dates and deadlines for applications in classroom lessons, on the webpages, and in newsletters. In the fall, middle school students will have the opportunity to attend a High School Career Fair hosted at their school by the Haverhill High School School Counseling and CTE Departments, as well as a tour of HHS for Grade 8. Middle Schools Pathway Exploration information
Haverhill High School is proud to continue offering multiple ways for students and families to learn about high school options, applications, and CTE opportunities. These include (but are not limited to): The School Counseling and CTE webpage In-class guidance lessons Naviance Self Planner-career/interest inventories & activities High school tours Grade 6-8 Open House: Family Night at HHS A High School Career Fair this fall at each middle school For GRADE 8 students & families.
In addition, as part of the state’s pathway exploration policies, we are required to share contact information of our 8th-grade students with Whittier Vocational Technical High School and the Essex North Shore Agriculture Admissions Office. They use this information to create mailing lists to update students and families on Open Houses, the application process, and any events that may be occurring that would be of interest to potential students. The information that would be shared: grade 8 students’ and parents/guardians’ first and last names, mailing addresses, the parents/guardians’ email addresses, and primary language. An opt-out form will be shared with families with a deadline to complete prior to October 15th if parents/guardians DO NOT want the information specified above to be shared with the vocational schools. The form can be translated into your chosen language by using the translate feature on the top right-hand corner. We look forward to helping students explore their interests and plan for a successful future!
CTE/PLTW Programs, Classical Academy & Vocational High School Information
Discover Your Future at Haverhill High School
Student Event
Haverhill High School is hosting exciting events to showcase the fantastic opportunities available. Learn about HHS programs and pathways. Don’t forget to check out our many AP classes, sports teams, clubs and work-based learning activities. These events will help students and families discover the incredible resources, programs, and support available at Haverhill High School.
High School & Career Fair (STUDENTS ONLY)
Middle School Tour at HHS (STUDENTS ONLY)
HHS Middle School Grade 6-8 Family Night (Students and Families)
Middle School Grade 6-8 Family Night
Family Event
Haverhill High School is hosting exciting events to showcase the fantastic opportunities available. Learn about HHS programs and pathways. Don’t forget to check out our many AP classes, sports teams, clubs and work-based learning activities. These events will help students and families discover the incredible resources, programs, and support available at Haverhill High School.
HHS Middle School Grade 6-8 Family Night (Students and Families)
Counselor Connection:
School Counselors K-8 finds value in communicating with families. Each trimester, counselors will develop a newsletter that reports important information particularly in the Counselor Connection document (link & code provided)
Guidance Curriculum:
2025-2026 Haverhill High School Program of Studies
Guidance Curriculum Map:
These designated lessons and activities are age and developmentally appropriate which provide access to information for high school, college and career readiness. Students will receive a personal High School Career Fair and presentation by select HHS representatives, tours of HHS and an invite to a community family night to showcase Haverhill High Programs, academics, athletics and activties that are available to rising 9th graders.
Naviance Scope & Sequence:
In essence, Naviance’s scope and sequence is designed to ensure that students are continuously working towards their post-secondary goals, with each step in their high school career helping them become more prepared for life after graduation, whether they pursue college, a career, or other professional development. At this age, students are introduced to this new platform in Grade 5 and counselors assign tasks for each grade level to build upon each school year.
Scope & Sequence Grades 5-8
Scope & Sequence Grades 5-12
Learn Naviance through the eyes of a student!
Key Features of Naviance’s Scope and Sequence:
- Self-Discovery: Students engage in assessments and activities that help them understand their interests, strengths, values, and personality. This typically begins in the early high school years and continues with more in-depth exploration as they progress.
- Career Exploration: Naviance provides tools to explore different career options, required skills, and potential pathways. These activities help students align their interests with future career possibilities.
- Academic Planning: Students receive guidance on course selection, setting academic goals, and tracking progress. This ensures they are academically prepared for college or other post-secondary opportunities.
- College Research and Readiness: Beginning in the early year, students learn how to navigate this platform and utilize it for interest inventories, surveys and to learn more about their strengths & abilities and how it may connect to their future choices. Later in high school years, students learn about college options, admissions processes, and scholarships. Naviance also supports students with creating college lists and managing applications.
- Gradual Progression: The scope and sequence ensures that each year builds on the previous one. Grade 8 may explore careers, freshmen might focus on foundational self-discovery and academic goal setting, while seniors delve deeper into college applications, scholarship searches, and post-graduation planning.
Counselor Connection – 2nd Trimester
Grade 8 High School Planning:
HHS Career Technical Education:
HHS Career Technical Education Programs
Application Timeline for the 2024-2025 school year:
- February 14, 2026 – Deadline to submit all parts of the application
- March 29, 2026 – Acceptance to the programs will be finalized, and notifications sent to students (applications submitted on time)
HPS CTE Admissions Policy- presently being updated
Application Interview Questions
Loop Program:
The Loop Program is offered in the spring for students in Grade 8 to enroll in a high school class for credit. Families are expected to follow the enrollment procedures and deadlines are firm. Loop classes are held three days a week, and students gain exposure to the high school environment with a credit awarded on their transcript before they even enter high school! Transportation is provided on school days.
Loop Presentation 2025
No Loop Days: Please note the loop program does not run during holidays, half days, during MCAS testing, if there is a delayed opening or snow day.
Please refer to our NO LOOP DAY Schedule
SBIRT Screening:
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is a public health approach that uses a standardized screening tool to identify students who are at risk of developing or abusing substances. The goal of SBIRT is to prevent or reduce substance use through early intervention.
SBIRT screening can take place in many settings, including schools, primary care centers, hospital emergency rooms, and community centers. The screening process involves a trained professional assessing a patient for risky substance use behaviors. The screening can be administered in either a self-report or interview format and takes about five minutes.
If a student screens positive, they will undergo further assessment to determine their level of risk. If indicated, the student will receive a brief intervention to help them identify goals and values, and increase their motivation to change their substance use. Students who need a higher level of care may be referred to specific interventions. Parents/Guardians have the option to opt their student out from this screening.
SBIRT has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes for people who use substances. Research suggests that SBIRT is most effective for patients who have unhealthy substance use but do not have a substance use disorder.
