Guidance << Parent Resources- NTHS College Planning Information - HSA Information >>
410-887-1620

The Guidance Office staff is instrumental in assisting students on their path toward the future.  The counselors help students with course selections, staying on track with their Academy programs, and preparing them for the college application process or other post-secondary planning.  We welcome parental involvement and encourage you to stay in touch with your child’s counselor. 

Ms. Robin Covington – This year will be working with students whose last name begins with A-F and AVID students.
Mr. David Glover – This year will be working with students whose last name begins with G-M.
Ms. Sue Dell - Guidance Department Chair, This year will be working with students whose last name begins with N-Z. 
Ms. Zethray Owens - Guidance Secretary, will be happy to schedule student and parent appointments and is the contact person for residency verification and new entrants. 
Ms. Pam Koehler - Records Clerk, will assist you any questions about records, including transcripts.

STUDENT SUCCESS

9TH GRADE
The adjustment to high school should be your primary focus during your first semester in high school.  Ninth grade students must be ready to move quickly through this adjustment period to focus on their academic success.  The first year of high school is very important for developing a competitive Grade Point Average.  Your GPA is much easier to keep at an elevated level rather than trying to correct a low GPA during your junior or senior year.  Ninth grade students are encouraged to become involved in a variety of activities, including athletics, clubs, music, drama and student government. Colleges wish to see these types of involvement on applications. 

10TH GRADE
This year is one of personal growth and of identifying interests and talents.  In October, the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) will provide important practice for the SAT in the spring of your junior year.  Practice for these tests is provided free of charge by using the “SAT On-Line” internet program.  Tenth grade students should also be challenging themselves by taking the most demanding classes available, including honors-level courses, and be working to maintain a 3.0 or better GPA.  Remember to stay involved in school or community activities to prepare for college.

11th GRADE
Over the next several months you will be more seriously exploring your post-high school options. Those of you planning to apply to a four-year college will want to register for the SAT or the ACT in the spring. It’s not too late to join an extra-curricular activity such as a club or sport. All juniors need to be focused on making good grades a #1 priority this school year. Remember that your junior year grades are the most important of all. If you experienced a few setbacks in the past two years, you now have the opportunity to show the “real” you. Colleges will often forgive past mistakes if you show you’ve matured and learned from these mistakes. Now is the time to shine and show that you have your priorities in order and are ready to take responsibility for yourself and your academics.

12th GRADE
This is It, Class of 2009! The end is officially in sight! This is an exciting year in which you will be completing one chapter of your life and turning the page to a new one. The counselors will continue to meet with seniors individually as well as in the classroom setting to discuss post-secondary planning. Seniors who wish to apply to four-year colleges should have already begun the college search process and be narrowing down their list of schools. College-bound seniors should plan on taking the SAT or ACT this fall. Test dates will be posted soon.

STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING

All students must complete 75 hours of Student Service Learning for graduation.  Students can view the number of SSL’s they have completed on their report cards.  Service Learning forms are available in the Guidance office. 

REPEATING FAILED CLASSES

Students who fail a high school course will not be allowed to repeat that class at New Town H.S. the next year. Students who fail will need to make up the course(s) in an alternative setting such as summer school, Saturday high school, evening high school, or at a local community college to make up the credit(s) lost. Please contact your child’s counselor to develop a plan for making up these classes and graduating on time.