There have been many changes to Mepham from last school year to this one. One of the most significant changes was in the Counseling and Wellness Center, formerly known as the Guidance Office. Now, a guidance counselor at Mepham is called a counselor, and in addition to its regular school time hours, the Counseling and Wellness Center will be open after school on Wednesdays from 2:30-5pm.

Those who are new to Mepham may be wondering what a counselor does. They assist you with future plans, write letters of recommendation to colleges, revise a class on your schedule and also they are there if you need to talk to someone about grades or personal issues. It is essential to have a good relationship with your counselor because you never know when you will need them. Also, make sure to join their remind messages to get information from them.

One of the most extensive changes is the addition of hours. The Counseling and Wellness Center is now open on Wednesdays from 2:30pm to 5:00 pm starting in October. The last appointment is at 4:30pm. Every week, three staff members who are mental health professionals, such as counselors, social workers, and psychologists will stay after school for the program. It is helpful if you need to talk to someone but don’t have an off period during school. You can come for college planning, parent workshops, and student groups. The student groups are a safe space if you want to talk about your troubles with other students who can relate to you. This may include the stress of social media, school work and fitting in. In the Bellmore Merrick Central High School District, all the high schools are starting this program, and the middle schools will be starting in February 2019.

Ms. Kratzer, one of Mepham’s counselors, was at the first after-school program of 2018. She stated, “We were excited to see a number of students take advantage of the Counseling and Wellness Center’s extended hours on its opening afternoon last Wednesday. As we get deeper into college application season we hope to see more students make appointments with available counselors for assistance with Common App, essay writing, and general career/college exploration in addition to the other supports we provide.” The wellness counselors are enjoying the program and its benefits.

The students are just as enthusiastic about the program. Freshman Courtney Blom spoke about it and said, “I have heard about the Mepham Counseling and Wellness Center in school. I have not been there myself yet, but it seems like it will be a great asset to the Mepham Community.”

Another freshman student, Helena Fu, also felt that the program is a useful addition to Mepham. She said, “Mepham’s Counseling and Wellness Center seems to be a welcoming and comforting place to go for anything you might be struggling with. I’m so glad that everyone at Mepham has this place of support and encouragement.”
The Mepham Counseling and Wellness Center is a beneficial and welcoming place that you can visit anytime. Remember that Mepham wellness counselors are always there to help you stay happy and become the best person you can be!