GUIDANCE and SCHOOL COUNSELING

Guidance Office: 203.245.6360

FAX: 203.245.6356

CEEB/SCHOOL CODE: 070370

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Daniel Hand High School Guidance and Counseling Department, during this unprecedented time is committed to updating the students and their parents/guardians on counseling services we are continuing to provide. At this time, our counselors are working to connect with students on various levels.  In addition to keeping this department website updated with information as the semester proceeds, counselors will be emailing students to set up times to provide video conferences with their students using Zoom.   It is important to note as Zoom is an online platform, we are unable to guarantee the same level of confidentiality that we could in our offices.  We ask that parents/guardians, siblings, etc. provide our students with as much privacy as possible when they are video conferencing with their counselors.  

The best way to reach counselors is via email, Counselors will be available for support between the hours of 9 am and 2 pm, see below.  The school counseling department will continue to work with our administration to figure out the best way to provide supportive services for our students while they are at home. We want to be mindful of students' confidentiality needs, special circumstances and other unique situations, so that we can provide equitable services to our students. Your children’s continued success is important to us.

If your family is experiencing a crisis, 211/Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services remain available for families who need services. If there is an emergency, it is still recommended to call 911. Below are additional local resources that are available to families during this time:

•             Meals are being provided at DHHS for all students in need.

•             Teachers are available through their class platform to answer any questions.

•             Madison Youth & Family Services are available to our students and families.

•             College Board’s Advance Placement (AP) Exams will be administered differently this year; AP teachers will provide their current students with information regarding the testing.

•             SAT and ACT testing has been halted at this time, current changes have been posted below.  We will keep our students and parents/guardians updated as we receive additional information.

As we all continue to navigate through distance learning, the counseling department will be here to help students as much as we possibly can. While the support we provide may look different, we want to make sure students are still feeling supported by our counseling staff.

I am your school counselor.

I don’t have a magic wand, a crystal ball or all the answers.

But I do have ears to listen, a heart to care, and time to give.

I have ideas and an open mind.

I am your school counselor.

And I am here for you.

Sincerely, the DHHS School Guidance and Counseling Department

Ms. Coyle: coylec@madison.k12.ct.us
Mrs. Curran: curranmary@madison.k12.ct.us
Mrs. Hawley: hawleyj@madison.k12.ct.us
Mr. Heins: heinsk@madison.k12.ct.us
Mrs. Judson: judsonp@madison.k12.ct.us
Ms. Skarsten: skarstenc@madison.k12.ct.us