Kaynor Applications are LIVE!!

  • Click here to access the application.

  • Students must complete either a Student Interest Video OR a Student Interest Statement.  Details regarding both options can be found in the application.  

  • Also, applicants need to include Mrs. Dorso's email address as the School Counselor, it is dorsoli@watertownps.org

  • The priority deadline for applications is 1/15/25 

Contact Mrs. Dorso if you have any questions 860-945-4611

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

Please see Staff Directory for links to counselor/psychologist's individual websites 

School Psychologists 

  • Shelby Reig - Grade 6 and Grade 7 Blue Team

  • Kacey Jarjura - Grade 8 and Grade 7 Yellow Team

School Social Worker

  • Sofia Riddick - Grades 6, 7, & 8

School Counselors

  • Jenna Barbino – Grade 6

  • Julie Ayer – Grade 7

  • Lisa Dorso – Grade 8

If you have any questions or concerns throughout the school year, please reach out to us via phone or email. The main number to Swift is 860-945-4830, however you can also call us directly. If we are not able to take your call, please leave a voice mail on our private and confidential lines, and we will return your call as soon as we are able.

This school year promises to bring expectations and experiences that are new to ALL of us. We have been working hard to welcome you back to school in a safe environment. School as you know it will look different, but we’re are here to help you navigate it every step of the way. Please let us know how we can help make this year a great experience for you and your child.

Attention Parents/Guardians of 8th Grade Students:  

I wanted to share some information and additional reminders regarding high school:

Watertown High School:

The high school counselors will be visiting our 8th grade students in February and March to start the course registration process! Prior to this, parents will have the opportunity to review a list of 9th grade courses and electives with their students. More info to come!

In the Spring, students will have the opportunity to visit WHS to learn more about how courses/credits work and to familiarize themselves with the building!

Ellis Clark Regional Agriscience Program (Nonnewaug):

  • Since applications and materials are due to Nonnewaug High School on December 2nd, I am asking that applications and recommendations be submitted to me by November 20th at the latest due to the fact that it takes time to gather student records and all necessary materials that need to be sent along with the application.

  • The digital application can be edited, saved, and then sent to Mrs. Dorso (dorsoli@watertownps.org) via email. You may also print the completed application and send it into school. For pages that require parent/student signatures, you MUST print those pages and sign them as directed. The application and student records cannot be sent without all required signatures.

  • Students applying to Nonnewaug MUST have a personal (cannot be related to the student), teacher, and counselor recommendation completed (3 total). These forms are listed below the application link on the Nonnewaug High School website and can be sent out electronically via email.

Kaynor Technical High School:

The 2025-26 School Year application for Kaynor Technical High School has not been released on their website. It is scheduled to be available on November 15, 2024

Steps to prepare to apply to a Technical High School

  1. Let your school counselor know that you are applying.

  2. Please be sure that you provide my email when applying. dorsoli@watertowsps.org

  3. CTECS, Kaynor will reach out to me requesting information.

  4. Review the web site of the school you are applying to.

  5. Review the trades: including course descriptions and prospective jobs.

  6. Come to school everyday on time and work hard.

Private Schools

I would like to encourage those that are applying to private schools to make sure that they are checking that school’s website for important dates and/or information. Please make sure that you have reviewed the admissions requirements for that particular school and are following the appropriate steps.

If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, please call me or email me! I can be reached by phone @ 860-945-4611 or by email @ dorsoli@watertownps.org.

Sincerely,

Lisa Dorso

8th Grade School Counselor

We have attached some links to resources that might help be helpful to you and your child as we all navigate this school year.

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/supporting-your-childs-mental-health-during-covid-19-school-return

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/helping-children-cope-with-changes-resulting-from-covid-19

https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html