School Counseling/Guidance 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.
What’s the News?? Utilize the Counselor Connection for up to date information on events, college visits, deadlines and important school guidance information.
The Counseling Department at HHS offers comprehensive support for students dealing with a wide range of issues, from mental health challenges to personal or academic concerns. All counselors are licensed professionals who provide confidential services to help students manage stress, navigate conflicts, or seek guidance during difficult times. If your student is facing personal struggles, supporting a friend in need, looking to develop coping skills or seek help, the counseling staff is available. Families are also encouraged to reach out for assistance with navigating family crises, understanding available community resources, and learning about individual or group counseling options. Counselors are available throughout the school day, and students can contact them in person or via email to request help or support. Whatever the need, counselors are ready to provide the assistance and resources necessary for students to succeed.
HHS Career Technical Education:
HHS Career Technical Education Programs
Application Timeline for the 2024-2025 school year:
- February 14, 2025 – Deadline to submit all parts of the application
- March 3rd-21st 2024 – Interviews will be held at students’ schools
- March 29, 2025 – Acceptance to the programs will be finalized, and notifications sent to students (applications submitted on time)
HPS CTE Admissions Policy
Application Interview Questions
HHS Academic Policies
Consistent with the class of 2024, twenty (20) credits are required for graduation from Haverhill High School; see table below for distribution of credit expectations. As in prior years, all seniors are required to submit an Exit Portfolio to their English teacher as a final exam requirement. The portfolio must demonstrate that the student has sufficient language arts skills to pass senior English and earn a diploma from Haverhill High School. It is noteworthy that on November 6, 2024, the voters of Massachusetts approved Ballot Question 2 to end MCAS as a graduation requirement for the class of 2025 and beyond. MCAS will not be a graduation requirement for the seniors of Haverhill Public Schools Class of 2025.
For the Class of 2025, HPS will enforce all previous graduation requirements, with the exception of a passing score on the MCAS examination. In addition, Computer Technology and School-to-Career courses are considered elective courses to more closely align with MassCore expectations. However, graduates are strongly encouraged to meet the Mass Core graduation requirements set forth by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Mass Core is a state-recommended, rigorous program of study that aligns high school coursework with college and workforce expectations. Mass Core requires an additional credit in Mathematics, one credit in both World Language and Fine Arts, and two and a half additional courses, for a total of 22 credits. HHS students completing the Mass Core graduation requirements will be acknowledged for their achievement of this distinction.
| HHS 2025 Graduation Requirements |
| Area of Study |
HHS Diploma Credits 20 |
HHS Diploma Mass Core Distinction Credits 24 |
| English (I, II, III, IV)
Social Studies
Mathematics (*Must include Algebra II)
Lab-based Science
Computer Technology
School-to-Career
Fine Arts or World Languages
Fine Arts
World Languages (*Must be the same language)
Wellness
Electives (*can include technology and/or school-to-career)
Additional Mass Core credits (*Must be from technology, school-to-career, business, or additional core academic areas) |
4.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
—
—
1.0
—
—
2.0
4.0
— |
4.0
3.0
4.0*
3.0
—
—
—
1.0
2.0*
2.0**
—
5.0 |
Note: Graduation requirements are subject to change with School Committee approval.
** Required by law
Guidelines for Promotion:
Grade 9 to 10: Earn 4.5 credits and pass both English I and Algebra I
Grade 10 to 11: Earn 9.0 accumulated credits and pass English II
Grade 11 to 12: Earn 13.5 accumulated credits and pass English III
COLLEGE CORNER
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Naviance
- The Naviance App is now available for smart phones at the app store!
Planning on Playing Sports in College
Career/Academic
Information for Alumni
Requests for Records
Schools requesting records should email or fax their requests on school letterhead to hhsguidanceinfo@haverhill-ps.org or (978) 372-7419.
Transcript Requests for Former Students
Former students may request a copy of their transcript by emailing the Guidance Department at: hhsguidanceinfo@haverhill-ps.org. Please include the following information:
- Name as it appeared when attended HHS
- Year of Graduation
- Date of Birth
- Telephone number where you can be reached
- Full Name and Address where transcript should be mailed
Please allow 2-3 business days for processing.
Jami Dion
Director of Guidance, Counseling and Student Support Services
978-374-5700 ext. 1133
jdion@haverhill-ps.org
