Contact: 203.322.3401 Ext. 18
 

The Guidance Department is available to help students develop a sense of personal responsibility and to aid them in the process of making decisions so that they may enrich their lives and attain maximum potential whether it be in further education or immediate entry into the world of work.

Mr. John Carrigan JCarrigan@trinitycatholic.org Department Chairperson Mrs. Patricia Giacone PGiacone@trinitycatholic.org Counselor Ms. Katie Fico KFico@trinitycatholic.org

Mr. Aland Joseph AJoseph@trinitycatholic.org Mrs. Marita Possidento MPossidento@trinitycatholic.org Registrar/Guidance Secretary

Counseling		Academic, Vocational/Career, Personal/Social, (Group and Individual)
Testing		(Standardized) Administration, Interpretation
Information		Colleges, Careers, College Scholarships and Financial Aid, Summer Programs, Enrichment Programs
Misc		Parent/Teacher Conferences, Parent/Student Conferences, Processing of College Applications, Service to Graduates, College Transfer, Job Placement Applications

The functions of the Guidance Department fall into broad categories. The department is involved in a multitude of areas from freshmen and new student orientation to college and career planning. In the early fall each freshman is placed into an orientation group. This helps to familiarize the students with the school and establishes a line of communication in times of need. Throughout the year counselors monitor the academic progress of students. Special needs are identified and attention given to those having academic difficulties.

In October, freshmen, sophomores and juniors take the Preliminary Scholastic Test (PSAT). Students are given practice materials to familiarize themselves with these tests beforehand. Additionally, when we receive the test results the original test question booklet will be handed back to the student and the English and Math teachers will review the test with them.

During freshmen and sophomore years, students are encouraged to explore career options, complete a career interest inventory and are introduced to NAVIANCE which is a web- based college planning program.

During junior and senior years, students officially begin the college search and application process.  Utilizing the various components of the NAVIANCE system, along with individual communications and meetings with their guidance counselors, students search for and choose colleges which are appropriate for their individual needs and personalities. Additionally, in the fall of each year college representatives visit Trinity Catholic High School to meet with interested students to discuss the specifics of their college.  Students with the help of their guidance counselor establish a list of colleges to which they will apply, review final college plans, have college recommendations written and applications are submitted.   A Financial Aid Workshop which explains the financial aid process is held in December.    

A College Fair is sponsored by TCHS in the spring time which is open to all parents and students.

Trinity Catholic serves as a test center for the College Boards Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT I and II) during November and May.