Counseling Department

Justin Arini, Director of Counseling & Social Workers K-12
631-504-5882

Patty Karatnytsky, Senior Office Assistant
631-504-5833

At the West Islip High School, school counselors work closely with students assisting them to develop their ability in the areas of educational, personal and vocational development. Through individual counseling and group presentations, counselors help students understand their learning strengths and weaknesses, choose appropriate courses, plan for transition to college and careers, and meet personal challenges in a mature, appropriate way.

Listed below are the skills and abilities that the School Counseling Department works with students to promote:

Learning Competencies
1. Understand one’s own learning abilities and how to best apply them.
2. Understand the school environment and what is expected.
3. Understand the school curriculum and the impact course selection will have on future plans.
4. Learn to set realistic goals and develop strategies to reach them.
5. Understand how standardized test results are used and how to interpret them.

Personal Competencies
1. Understand personal relationships and how to establish an independent identity.
2. Take responsibility for personal decisions.
3. Understand and appreciate one’s own capabilities and those of others.
4. Learn how to resolve conflicts.
5. Learn to cope with change and plan for the future.

Career/Vocational Competencies
1. Form tentative career goals and strategies for attaining them.
2. Become informed about post high school educational opportunities and the issues involved in the selection process.

Grades 9 and 10 - Counselors meet individually with students to review course requirements, develop appropriate 4-year academic plans, and acquaint students with various resources available to them.

Grade 11 - Juniors are informed about College Board testing and the college selection and application process. Students will compile a list of colleges to contact or visit as a result of utilizing the Naviance online program. They will be taught what to accomplish in their visitations and how to interview. Course selections for grade 12 will be reviewed. Students will have an opportunity to prepare for the SATs.

Grade 12 - Seniors are given an overview of the college process, including College Board testing, as well as assistance with college applications. An evening program is conducted to assist in the financial aid process. Students not planning to attend college will have an opportunity to attend a job fair.

For students interested in Career and Technical Education (CTE), there are a variety of sequences and courses available both in the district and at BOCES. District programs offer students the opportunity to take courses in the areas of Business Education, Family and Consumer Sciences and Technology. District CTE programs are available to students under age 21 in grades 9 through 12. BOCES CTE programs are available to students in grades 11 and 12. Courses in CTE are available to all students without regard to gender, handicap or race. Questions or concerns regarding equality of access to program offerings should be addressed to the following staff members:

Title IX issues ~
Dawn Morrison, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
631-930-1559

Special Education needs 
Jeanne Dowling, Director of Special Education
631-930-1550

Information regarding opportunities in CTE is distributed to students. However, parents and students interested in obtaining further information concerning course offerings should contact the High School Counseling Office.