School Counseling

 
At Xavier, we are dedicated to fostering the holistic growth of our students and equipping them for future challenges. Central to this mission is our School Counseling Office, which offers comprehensive support in academic, personal, and college counseling. Our experienced counselors work diligently to create a welcoming environment where students feel supported, empowered, and heard. Whether it's academic advising, college placement counseling, or addressing personal and social challenges, we are committed to guiding our students every step of the way ensuring their success.

Xavier's unique identity as an all-boys, private, Catholic high school underscores the importance of our role in guiding our students through their educational journey. With a 100 percent college acceptance rate for our senior class, we take pride in ensuring that every student is equipped with the tools for success both during and after their time at Xavier.

Central to our approach is the development of enduring personal relationships. Each student is assigned a dedicated counselor for four years, allowing us to provide tailored guidance and support as they navigate through their high school years and beyond. Through a variety of programs covering topics such as college planning, financial aid, and social-emotional development, we aim to empower students and families to make informed decisions about their futures.

Ultimately, our goal is not just to see our students graduate, but to guide them towards the best possible path beyond high school. By reinforcing Xavier's mission of spiritual, academic, and physical growth, we strive to prepare every student to answer the call of service embodied in our motto: "Be A Man, A Man Like Christ."

We welcome you to explore the resources and services offered by the School Counseling Office and look forward to supporting you on your journey towards success.
 
Mrs. Beth Pattavina, Director of School Counseling, [email protected]
 

Mrs. Pattavina has been in the School Counseling Office since September 2015. Prior to that, she worked for the Middletown Board of Education as a Special Education Tutor & Case Manager for 14 years and for the Middlesex Family Advocacy Group as a Remedial Tutor for four years. Both positions involved servicing students with learning differences in parochial schools. After graduating from St. Bonaventure in 1990, she taught for seven years at St. John School in Middletown. She is a 1986 graduate of Mercy High School. In 2020, she earned the prestigious Ryken Award, which is voted on by peers and awarded to a faculty or staff member who by their commitment and dedication lives the mission of the Xaverian charism of education. 

 

Mr. Mark Lambert, Director of Social Emotional Learning/Student Wellness, [email protected]

Mr. Lambert started at Xavier in 2006 and is the director of UCONN’s Early College Experience program. Xavier’s Early College Experience is one of the most established programs in the state in terms of enrollment and credits taken. Mr. Lambert is also on the committee for the National Honor Society and is the site director for the NCAA Clearinghouse. In addition to his Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Bridgeport, he holds a graduate certificate in Conflict Resolution and a Master’s degree in Human Environmental Science from the University of Alabama. 

Ms. Diana Mastrocola, Counselor, [email protected]

 

Ms. Mastrocola joined the School Counseling Office in 2021 after spending several years serving as the Director of College Counseling at a charter school in Massachusetts.  She worked extensively with students on the college application process, including teaching classes on college essay writing and financial aid.   Ms. Mastrocola graduated from Hamilton College and earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College.  At Xavier, she is responsible for co-planning the annual Xavier/Mercy College Fair which attracts over 100 colleges each year.

 

Mr. David Sterling, Counselor / SEL interventionalist, [email protected]

 

Mr. Sterling joined the School Counseling Office in November of 2024. For the past 16 years, Mr. Sterling has been the Lead Educational Counselor at Pathways Academy in East Haven. Mr. Sterling is certainly not a stranger to Xavier, as he coached our student athletes on the football team for 20 years. He brings a strong aptitude for developing enduring relationships with faculty/staff and students. 

 

Ms. Barbara O'Connor, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]

Ms. O’Connor joined the Xavier High School Counseling Office in January of 2022.  Prior to that, she worked at the Connecticut Association of Schools where she was project coordinator.   During that time, she planned and coordinated various professional development, leadership conferences, and award/recognition events for administrators, teachers, and students throughout the State of Connecticut.  In addition, her responsibilities included scheduling and planning meetings on Capitol Hill for administrators from Connecticut when they attended NAESP Leaders Conferences in Washington, D.C.  Ms. O’Connor enjoys helping and working with the students at Xavier High School.

 

As part of our philosophy of fostering enduring personal relationships, the School Counseling Department has a four-year plan to develop and support students through freshman year to senior year, with a tailored approach to help them achieve academic success, build independence, expose them to careers path, and prepare them to be successful in a post-secondary plan of their choice. 

 

Teacher-Counselor Collaboration:
 
As a smaller, private school, counselors, teachers, coaches, and administrators work collaboratively to provide wrap-around support for students.  We want to ensure students are learning the time-management and advocacy skills needed to be successful after high school.  A few examples include:
 
  • Counselors working closely with the Associate President of Academics and Strategic School Development to monitor grades and create intervention plans.
  • Teachers and counselors collaborating to discuss plans for high-need students when issues arise such as long-term absences, missing assignments in multiple classes, or academic placement concerns.
  • Counselors collaborating with the Associate President for School and Community Growth regarding behavioral and wellness challenges.
  • Since many of our coaches work in the building, counselors are well-equipped to support student-athletes in reaching their academic potential and emotional wellbeing.
  • Work with the Associate President of Academics and Strategic School Development to determine academic level changes to support student growth.

 

Four-Year Support Plan:
 
Freshman Year:
  • Counselors conduct individual meetings with freshman during the first quarter to ensure a smooth adjustment to the Xavier community, both academically and socially.
  • Naviance is introduced in a classroom lesson where counselors demonstrate how to use it for college research and learning styles.
  • Freshmen are invited to attend the annual Xavier/Mercy College Fair, hosted at Xavier in the spring.
  • Our Academic Support Specialist meets regularly with teachers of College Preparatory students to develop plans for wrap-around academic and executive functioning support.
  • Students will participate in an annual social-emotional learning lesson. These lessons focus on key topics such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness, anxiety, and managing stress, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate personal and academic challenges effectively.
 
Sophomore Year:
  • Counselors conduct individual meetings with sophomores in the second half of the year to continue supporting their growth at Xavier.
  • Sophomores are taught how to use Naviance to explore potential careers. They explore their strengths and investigate colleges offering majors aligned with their career interests.
  • All sophomores take the PSAT at Xavier.
  • The School Counseling Department hosts a sophomore parent presentation to discuss academic benchmarks and social/emotional wellness their students are experiencing.
  • The School Counseling Department runs a resume writing workshop for all interested sophomores
  • Sophomores are invited to attend the Jesuit Excellence Tour College Fair in the fall and the Xavier/Mercy College Fair in the spring, both hosted at Xavier.
  • Students will participate in an annual social-emotional learning lesson. These lessons focus on key topics such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness, anxiety, and managing stress, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate personal and academic challenges effectively.
 
Junior Year:
  • Counselors meet with juniors in the second half of the year to begin the college planning process with individual meetings geared towards exploring their post-secondary goals and the steps they need to take in 11th grade to be prepared for application season in the fall of their senior year.
  • Counselors help juniors create their senior year schedule to ensure they have not only met Xavier graduation requirements, but have the necessary courses to be competitive applicants to the college programs of their choice.
  • Students use Naviance with the guidance of their counselor to develop an initial college list.
  • School Counselors implement classroom lessons on creating the Common App, how to correctly fill out each section, and guide students in creating a “brag sheet” for their teacher and counselor recommendation letters.
  • Students receive guidance on their college essay in 11th grade English class.
  • All juniors take the PSAT in the fall and the SAT in the spring at Xavier.
  • Xavier offers an optional after-school SAT prep course.
  • Juniors have the opportunity to meet with college admissions representatives that visit Xavier during the fall.
  • The School Counseling Department hosts a junior parent presentation to kick off the college process.
  • Juniors are invited to attend the Jesuit Excellence Tour College Fair in the fall and the Xavier/Mercy College Fair in the spring, both hosted at Xavier.
  • Students will participate in an annual social-emotional learning lesson. These lessons focus on key topics such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness, anxiety, and managing stress, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate personal and academic challenges effectively.
 
Senior year:
  • Counselors meet with seniors primarily in the first half of the year to finalize their college list, review their applications, create a testing plan, and answer any questions they might have. Since no two students are the same, college guidance can continue throughout the year as students make their final post-secondary decisions.
  • The School Counseling Administrative Assistant submits all supplemental application materials.
  • The School Counseling Department hosts a senior parent presentation in the fall to review the expectations of the college process.
  • Xavier and Mercy alternatively host a financial aid information session for those interested in learning more about funding for college.
  • Seniors have the opportunity to meet with college admissions representatives that visit Xavier during the fall.
  • Students will participate in an annual social-emotional learning lesson. These lessons focus on key topics such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness, anxiety, and managing stress, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate personal and academic challenges effectively.
 
To view acceptances for the Classes of 2020-2024, click here.
 
At Xavier, we recognize that some students may need extra support or accommodations to achieve academic success. We provide multiple layers of support to help your son thrive academically.
 
Summer School Program
Our summer school program is designed to boost reading and math skills before the school year begins. This program also helps students:
  • Get comfortable with our building
  • Meet some of our teachers
  • Start building relationships with other students
 
Dedicated Teachers
Our dedicated teachers are available before and after school to help students with:
  • Completing homework
  • Preparing for tests and quizzes
  • Reviewing papers and labs
  • Clarifying material taught in class
  • Requiring that students stay after school if they miss three homework assignments
 
National Honor Society Tutors
National Honor Society tutors provide assistance in specific content areas or general homework help. They offer personal tips and strategies for academic success.
 
Academic Achievement Center
The Academic Achievement Center is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals by providing a structured and supportive environment. Whether the student needs help organizing materials, understanding assignments, or preparing for exams, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.
 
Open to All Students
The Academic Achievement Center welcomes all students for voluntary drop-in visits. However, the associate president or school counselors may require certain students to attend until their grades improve.
 
Operating Hours
Monday to Friday: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Staffed by: Xavier teachers and National Honor Society tutors
 
Services Offered
Study Tips and Organizational Help:
  • Offering effective study strategies
  • Helping students organize their planners and materials
 
Assignment Management:
  • Setting up plans for additional help or making up missed work
  • Encouraging the use of OnCampus for assignment tracking
  • Supporting the completion of current and missing assignments
 
Test Preparation:
  • Assisting students in preparing for upcoming tests and quizzes
 
Project Assistance:
  • Breaking down papers, projects, and lab reports into manageable tasks
 
Individualized Support:
  • Identifying areas where students need help and developing tailored plans
  • Providing a positive working environment for students to focus and thrive
 
Collaboration:
  • Communicating with individual school counselors and teachers to share updates and concerns about student progress
 
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans
If your son has an IEP or 504 plan, it's important to provide us with a copy of the plan and the most recent evaluations. Typical accommodations may include extended time and preferential seating. We also encourage you to participate in end-of-year or annual review meetings to ensure we can support your son as he transitions to high school. We're happy to discuss his accommodations with you to ensure he is as successful as possible.
 
Study Skills Class
Our Study Skills class for select freshmen and sophomores teaches students how to learn through direct instruction of study skills and strategies, applied to their current classes. This course helps students become organized learners with positive study habits, including notetaking, test-taking, reading, writing, and math skills, preparing them for future academic success.
 
Identifying Students Who Need Help
We identify students needing help by:
  • Monitoring grades through OnCampus, report cards, and collaboration with the Associate President of Academics
  • Maintaining good communication with teachers
  • Encouraging students to ask for help in person or via email
  • Engaging with parents who communicate any concerns
  • Our goal is to support your son in every way possible. Please keep in touch and let us know how we can assist in his academic journey.
 

 

The School Counseling Department is dedicated to supporting seniors in their pursuit of post-secondary education by facilitating the scholarship application process. Our goal is to streamline the scholarship process as they transition to the next phase of their lives.

  • We compile a diverse range of scholarship opportunities.
  • Regular email updates keep students and families informed about new scholarships, deadlines, and requirements.
  • We collect and organize all necessary paperwork, including transcripts and letters of recommendation.
  • The counseling department packages the materials and handles mailing or emailing them out on behalf of the students.
  • Our aim is to streamline the scholarship application process as they transition to the next phase of their lives.

 

A Xavier education is an investment in your future, as our students on average received over $2 Million in Financial Aid and Scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year!

 

It's important to remember that scholarship availability and amounts can fluctuate from year to year due to various factors, including changes in the local economy and funding priorities of scholarship providers. The overall amount awarded is significant and reflects the dedication of our school and its students in pursuing external funding opportunities.

 
 
 

What is Naviance?

Naviance, an educational platform designed to equip students for success in college and beyond, offers an array of valuable programs and tools. These include self-discovery assessments to identify strengths and career interests, a career planning tool for exploring various career paths, and college application tools for researching schools and submitting essential information. The platform guides students through each stage of their academic journey with structured milestones:

 

Freshman Year:

  • Explore learning style and personality traits
  • Research potential careers
  • Investigate colleges of interest
  • Utilize scatterplots to assess acceptance probabilities

 

Sophomore Year:

  • Continue exploring learning style and personality traits
  • Further research careers and colleges
  • Utilize scatterplots for acceptance likelihood assessment
  • Begin compiling a list of preferred colleges

 

Junior Year:

  • Research career options in-depth
  • Explore colleges using the Advanced College Search feature
  • Utilize scatterplots for acceptance probability assessment
  • Continue refining the list of preferred colleges
  • Participate in college representative visits
  • Complete necessary surveys for recommendation letters

 

Senior Year:

  • Create a finalized list of colleges to apply to
  • Link Common Application account to Naviance
  • Participate in college representative visits
  • Keep Naviance updated with college application results
  • Research available scholarships
 
 
For the 2024-2025 school profile, click here.