School Counselor

The mission of the Thompson Public Schools Counselor Department is to help all students identify and build upon their strengths and talents. Counselors will work with all students, at each grade level, to develop appropriate personal, social, academic and career goals. In partnership with parents/guardians, school staff, and community agency personnel, counselors will offer a proactive guidance program that will assist all students in becoming life long learners and successful members of society.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the school counselors below.

Specific services provided by the counseling staff are as follows:

Assistance in the selection of subjects.
Adjustment and changing of schedules.
Adjustment to the school situation.
Information concerning colleges and schools of advanced training.
Information regarding careers, job opportunities, military information, and apprenticeships.
Information regarding financial aid.
Counseling: drug and alcohol related, personal and family.

Counselors assist in planning a program of studies and information concerning the requirements for work, special training, or college is made available.

Since your parent(s)/guardian(s) are interested in your ambitions and plans, be sure to discuss your ideas with them.
Members of the guidance staff welcome the opportunity to discuss your educational and vocational plans with you and your parent(s)/guardian(s).

Every pupil’s daily schedule is constructed on an individual basis so that needs, interests, and abilities are met.

If you are a student in grade 8 and are interested in shadowing a high school student complete the request form here:

Shadow Request Form

Guidance Counselor
Lisa Canney
All students with the last names A-H
Phone: 860-923-9303 ext. 551
lcanney@thompsonpublicschools.org

Guidance Counselor
Julie Maliff
All students with the last names I-Z
Phone: 860-923-9303, ext.552
Email: jmaliff@thompsonpublicschools.org

School Counselor’s Secretary
Kim Steglitz
860-923-9303, ext. 550
ksteglitz@thompsonpublicschools.org

Class of 2020 College Acceptance

CEEB Code – 070-565

SENIORS

COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

Complete activity form and recommendation request form and return to School Counselor Secretary.
Complete a release form and return to School Counselor Secretary.
After you have applied online to college, complete a student college application checklist.
School Counseling office requires 2 weeks to process paperwork.
Apply for Scholarships
Check to see if your school requires the CSS Profile.
Complete FAFSA form after October 1st.

Common Application (use google chrome)

JUNIORS

Meet with School Counselor in fall.
Practice SAT questions at Khan Academy.
Take PSAT’s in October – given at TMHS the second Wednesday of the month.
Review results on College Board and continue researching colleges.
Take the SAT’s in the spring. Sign up at College Board.
Visit colleges all year long, best time is when colleges are in session. (April vacation).
Write college essay before leaving for the summer and ask English teacher to proof read.
Ask teachers for letters of recommendation.
Begin Common Application after August 1st.

Quinebaug Valley Community College Career Pathways

College Career Pathways is a partnership between Tourtellotte Memorial High School and Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson. Students take part in a program that begins in their junior year of high school. Students are accepted into the College Career Pathways program at the end of their sophomore year. Students take a designated sequence of courses while in high school to gain specific technical and academic skills required to compete in a rapidly changing global economy. Students enroll in a planned high school program leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree, receiving college credits from the community college for specified courses. College Career Pathways students also are offered career exploration opportunities in the specific technical courses. College Career Pathways is absolutely FREE. The purpose of the partnership is to enable secondary students to receive credit for course work that is equivalent to college level. College credit is granted with an official transcript from QVCC. Any or all of these credits may be transferable to other colleges depending on transfer guidelines. In some cases, these courses may satisfy college prerequisites.

Computer Applications
Accounting II
Advanced Excel
Manufacturing Math
Computer Aided Design I
Interpreting Engineering Drawings
Solid Works
Advanced Excel

Nichols College Accelerator Program

The Accelerator Program gives local high school students an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to do college level work, and to acquire skills that will help them succeed not only in college but also in their remaining high school courses. The courses offered through the Accelerator Program at Nichols College offer content that is compelling, challenging, and different. One class will be taught each semester on the Nichols College campus allowing students to experience a college campus atmosphere and earn college credits at the same time. The Accelerator Program courses are taught by experienced Nichols College faculty members with the help of a teaching assistant. Click here for more info…

University of Connecticut Early College Experience

UConn Early College Experience (ECE) provides academically motivated students the opportunity to take university courses while still in high school. These challenging courses allow students to preview college work, build confidence in their readiness for college, and earn college credits that provide both an academic and a financial head-start on a college degree. ECE instructors, who are certified as adjunct professors by UConn faculty, create a classroom environment fostering independent learning, creativity and critical thinking – all pivotal for success in college. Tourtellotte Memorial High School offers ECE courses in English. To support rigorous learning, University of Connecticut library resources are also available to students. ECE students must successfully complete the course with a grade of C, achieving a grade of 73 or better on UConn’s requirements, in order to receive university credit. University credits are highly transferable to other universities. Click here for more info…

UCONN Writing Through Literature

College Board Advanced Placement Classes

Most colleges and Universities in the United States grant credit and placement for qualifying AP scores. You can save money and get a head start on your degree when you enter college with credit you’ve already earned through AP classes. If you earn an AP Exam score of 3 or higher, chances are you can receive credit, advanced placement or both from your college — most colleges and universities in the United States and institutions in more than 60 other countries grant credit and placement for AP scores or acknowledge AP scores in the admission process. College credit and/or advanced placement can be a big reward for all the hard work you put into your AP courses and exams. Also, when you enter college with credit you’ve already earned through AP, you can save time and money. With a head start on your degree, you may have the flexibility to move into upper-level courses sooner, pursue a double major or study abroad.