This is the only time we will meet, before Freshman Academy in July, to help you begin the transition to high school.

Beginning high school is an exciting time, but also a time for change, growth, new opportunities and many choices and challenges.

Today I would like to share with you how the Student Services can help you and your family navigate this transition now and support you throughout the next 4 years.

The mission of the Chester High School Student Services Office, in collaboration with other stakeholders, is to ensure a safe and supportive environment that supports all students by providing a comprehensive and developmental school counseling program that addresses each student’s unique academic, career and social-emotional needs, and helps them develop meaningful, responsible and productive lives that empower them to experience lifelong success in a changing society.

School Counseling Services

-academic skills support
-School counseling core curriculum
-Bully Prevention
-organization, study & test-taking skills
-Education in understanding self & others
-Coping strategies
-peer relationships & effective social skills
-communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution
-Academic & Career Planning (4-year plans)
-Education in understanding of self, including strengths & weaknesses
-Individual & small group counseling

In addition to unconditional love, our children also need clear boundaries. Generally, researchers have concluded that there are three main types of parenting approach: Authoritarian, Permissive and Authoritative.

Authoritarian parents demand a lot from their child, but do not give in response. They often give orders and set strict rules to be obeyed. Sometimes stereotyped as a 'Military Style', this approach can sometimes include physical abuse.

Permissive parents encourage their children to their fullest, but do not set limits. They emphasise creativity and feelings, although their children often feel unloved as a result of not having many restrictions. Sometimes stereotyped as the 'Hippy Style', these children often become rebellious against their parents.

Authoritative parents set some limits for their children, but also listen and nurture them. A blend of Permissive and Authoritarian, they get the most respect out of all types. Children of authoritative parents grow up to be the most well rounded and level headed

So perhaps the most important thing we can do for the well-being and emotional development of our children is to combine unconditional love with clear and consistent boundaries and rules.