Many returning Wildcats may have been surprised to discover that they had been assigned to a new school counselor. Due to shifts in student numbers with the arrival of the Class of 2029, caseloads were adjusted to ensure a more even distribution of students among the counseling staff, according to school counselling director Erin Robillos.
Shortly before the school year started, the school released the new alphabetical assignments of the counselling team. Robillos is now assigned to students with last names A-Bl; Mary Ransom to Bo-Ep; Lindsay Bien to Eq-Kh; Katie Christian to Ki-Na; Jodi Beland to Ne-Sc; and Greg James to Se-Z. (The official announcement can be accessed via the Wildcat Weekly email newsletter.)
Although their assignments may be slightly different, the counselling team remains deeply committed to the needs of all students. They have made efforts to facilitate as smooth a transition as possible.
“It varies based on grade level and the needs of each student, but I would say for the most part—especially when it comes to seniors—we try, as a team, to collaborate with each other to make sure that nothing important gets missed,” Robillos said.
When it comes to college letters of recommendation, students’ previous counselors will be providing relevant information to the new counselor in the drafting process to ensure that all circumstances of applicants’ high school education are addressed.
Robillos explained that students are welcome to meet with their previous counselor, especially if they have a strong relationship with them. If they have a specific concern they wish to discuss, they are encouraged to reach out to that counselor via email.
However, Robillos also encourages reassigned students to take the time to build a relationship with their new counselor.
“Give [them] a chance. Get to know them. I know it’s easy to rely on who we’ve always worked with, but we’re all a great team, and we want to make sure that we support students,” Robillos said.
