• Coordinator of School Counseling, Mrs. Meredith Gerckens
• 300 Franklin Avenue, Nutley, NJ 07110
• (973) 661 8837
• mgerckens@nutleyschools.org
@NutleyCounselors

Please be aware that over the summer the school counselors are not available and will not be checking voicemail or email regularly. If you need assistance regarding working papers, a transcript request, education verification, etc. please email NHS School Counseling Secretary Mrs. Pasquale at mpasquale@nutleyschools.org. If you need assistance with other school counseling related issues please contact Coordinator of School Counseling Mrs. Gerckens at mgerckens@nutleyschools.org. Additional wellness and emergency resources can be found on the Wellness Resources tab of our website.

 

School Counseling Philosophy

The School Counseling Program in the Nutley Public School District is dedicated to the success and well-being of every member of our school community. Our counselors demonstrate this by providing a comprehensive school counseling program in partnership with educators, parent/guardian(s), students, and the community. The professional counseling staff promotes the academic, career, and personal/social development of our students and assists them in acquiring competencies for lifelong learning and success in a changing world.

Our Elementary School Counselors respond to the challenges presented by today's diverse student population. They do not work in isolation; rather, they are integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students achieve school success. Counselors provide consistent proactive classroom lessons to students in all grade levels, as well as provide individual and group counseling, and work with families as needed. Elementary School Counselors work to open up avenues of communication between home and the school, and to support the efforts of our classroom teachers and building administrators.

The School Counselors at John H. Walker Middle School work as team members with school staff, parents, and the community to create a caring, supportive climate whereby young adolescents can achieve academic success. Our Middle School Counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, counselors encourage students to explore their interests, help them to achieve optimal personal growth and acquire positive social skills and values, and work to guide students in setting future goals.

High School Counselors work with students at a transitional time as they prepare for adulthood and post-secondary plans. The School Counseling team at Nutley High School aims to support its students as they explore who they are as individuals, what they do well, and what they want to do when they graduate. The counselors assist students in evaluating their strengths, skills and abilities and guide them as they made decisions. The professional counselors at NHS support their students in all of their academic, college/career, and social/emotional needs. The NHS counselors, in collaboration with staff and administration, families and the community, strive to assist each student in attaining their maximum potential.