Student Support & Resources

In addition to working with all students to achieve academic success and assisting in developing a meaningful plan for life after high school, counselors help students balance all aspects of their lives in order to support personal growth. The school has on staff a Youth Counselor available for students’ personal counseling. Guidance counselors and these professionals are resources for outside supports as well.

Youth Counselor — Weston High School’s Youth Counselor is a licensed school adjustment counselor who provides individual and group counseling to students. She is available to talk about a variety of issues, including stress, family issues, conflict with peers, depression, and anxiety. Except for certain life-threatening situations, no information is shared with school or other personnel without express written consent by the student and his/her parents. Paula Gearan’s office is located directly across from the Guidance Department. She can be reached by email or phone. For more information, contact her directly at (781) 786-5847 or email gearanp@weston.org. Please visit the WHS Youth Counselor site for more information.

Click to book an appointment with Ms. Gearan

TEC (The Enrichment Center) — TEC is an academic support center open to all students. Freshmen are invited to visit TEC early in the school year and may come to TEC during their study halls.  Sophomores, juniors and seniors use TEC when they have “free” blocks.

Students can access TEC on an as-needed basis. Andy Gettys and Erin Patterson are available for academic help as well as organizational strategies. In addition, students needing ongoing support may be referred to TEC by classroom teachers and school counselors. TEC is open during regular school hours and after school most days until 3:30, It is equipped with computers with school program software, textbooks, and a host of student supplies and materials.

Instructional Support Team (IST) — This team of administrators, teachers and support personnel (counselors, nurse, school psychologist, SPED) meets on a regular basis to support students who struggle in the classroom. Working with the District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP) and teachers, the team works with teachers to determine useful interventions in the classroom. The team may refer students to Special Education for testing, as appropriate. Referrals to IST are made by Weston High School faculty.

• Direct clinical supports to students: Intentional/planned clinical supports, on-demand supports; crisis intervention when needed
• Academic coordination: Collaboration with a student’s teachers to modify assignments for the student to demonstrate sufficient mastery to accrue credit, facilitate direct teacher support with the student as needed
• Family engagement: Consistent communication with parents/guardians about student progress, needs, learning, and opportunities for family engagement
• Care coordination:  Consultation/collaboration with all in-school supports and collateral providers

Academic Support/Tutors — It is the belief of the Guidance Department that the decision to get a tutor is a personal decision that requires a positive connection between the student and the tutor. The Guidance Department does not endorse or recommend any one over the other. Because there is tremendous variety in the styles of tutors, we suggest making phone calls to determine the most appropriate match of personalities, schedules, etc.

Khan Academy — Not only does this online resource provide academic lessons, it also has contracted with College Board to provide free SAT preparation. Students who have taken the PSAT can link their score report to Khan Academy and get customized test prep to address their needs.

Many students are interested in community service or enrichment programs outside of school. One great source of information about such programs is TeenLife. The website is a searchable database of local, national and international volunteer opportunities, summer programs and even gap year programs.

Below is a list of local resources and hotlines. School counselors, school adjustment counselors, the nurse and other Weston High School support staff can provide assistance in finding resources in non-emergency situations.

Suicide/Depression

Suicide and Crisis Hotlines — Toll-Free / 24 hours / 7 days a week
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
1-800-273 – TALK (8255)

Samariteens – Boston
3pm – 9pm on weekdays, and 9am-9pm on weekends – Teen to Teen
All other hours, calls are answered by an adult
1-800-252-TEEN (8336)

Sexual AssaultBeth Israel Hospital Rape Crisis Service – Boston   617-667-8141

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center – Cambridge   800-841-8371  (24 hour hotline)

MGH Rape Emergency Unit – Boston   617-726-2000

Center for Sexual Abuse Counseling – Wellesley   781-237-9110

Rape Crisis Hotline Two 24-hour hotlines. Provide counseling for sexual assault survivors and referrals as needed.   800-870-5905 or  800-223-5001 (Spanish)

Domestic Violence

Waltham Battered Women’s Support Committee – Waltham   617-899-8676

Women’s Protective Services – Metrowest
Rape crisis and domestic violence issues   800-593-1125 or 508-626-8686

Bridge Over Troubled Waters – Boston   Emergency Assistance 24/7, Monday-Friday daytime only for non-emergency services  617-423-9575

Teen Dating ViolenceTeen Dating Violence DOVE Youth Hotline – Boston   617-773-4878

Substance Abuse

Al-Anon/Alateen   999-425-2666
For information for meeting schedules, 508-366-0556 (Mon. to Fri. 9 am to 4 pm)

Drug and Teen Alcohol – National 24-hour hotline   800-252-6465

Statewide Substance Abuse Information Line
1-800-ALCOHOL
1-800-COCAINE

Eating Disorders

Walden Behavioral Care – Waltham
Inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and outpatient care   781-647-6727

Newton – Wellesley Eating Disorders and Behavioral Medicine
Outpatient services for adolescents with eating disorders and their families   617-332-2700, x2

Klarman Eating Disorders Center @ McLean Hospital
Intensive residential, partial hospitalization and outpatient care   617-855-3410

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender

LGBT Helpline
Get referrals to the services you need. Healthcare, Housing, Violence Recovery, HIV/AIDS, etc.
888-340-4528

Boston Gay & Lesbian Adolescent Social Services – Boston
Provide informal counseling, advocacy, and referrals on everything from housing issues to health care
617 266 3349

Peer Listening Line – Boston
Monday – Friday from 4:00 pm till 10:00 pm.   617-267-2535 or 800-399-PEER (7337)
Trained GLBT youth volunteers can help you find a service, phone number or just be a friendly and nonjudgmental person to talk with.

Dating Violence

Fenway Community Health Violence Recovery Program  800-834-3242

Other Adolescent Services

Covenant House Nineline
24-hour, toll-free crisis hotline, which provides crisis intervention, referral and information services to homeless, runaway and other troubled youth and their families.
800-999-9999

Best Team
24 hour crisis team available to evaluate adults and children in a psychiatric emergency. Serves those in Greater Boston area who are not insured or have MassHealth. Can provide consultation and referrals to others calling in a crisis situation.
800-981-4357