Student Services

At Griswold High School, you're more than a number and more than an anonymous student in the crowd. With just over 500 students in grades nine through twelve, you're part of a close-knit community!

All GHS students have access to guidance counselors, academic support, and more. Faculty, Staff, Peers and Parents come together to serve the Griswold High School student body.

Student Services Staff

 

School Administrators

Erin Palonen
Principal

Art Howe
Associate Principal

 

School Counselors
Office 376-7680


John Cormier
School Psychologist
JCormier@griswoldpublicschools.org

 

Stefanie Burelle
School Social Worker


Sheila DePonte
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Interventionist

Student Supervisor
SDePonte@griswoldpublicschools.org

 


James Collins
School Resource/Security Officer

JCollins@griswoldpublicschools.org

 

GHS School Nurse
Stephanie Bibeau RN
Health Aide Pam Getter
860-376-7647

 

 

Chris Champlin
Special Education Director

 

 

Meg Czmyr
Vocational Coordinator

 

 

 

Titles that may sound new to you:

SCHOOL SECURITY OFFICER

The School Security Officer’s role includes but is not limited to the following three functions: They first are keepers of the peace, as one would expect of law enforcement officers. They also serve to ensure a safe learning environment for the students, teachers, and administration. Second, they are counselors who provide guidance to students and act as links to support services inside and outside the school setting. Third, SRO's are teachers who provide schools with an additional resource in and outside the classroom, such as peer mediation and conflict resolution.


SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) INTERVENTIONIST/STUDENT SUPERVISOR

The Student Supervisor is a member of our support staff and disciplinary/behavior intervention team who assists the administration in enforcing school rules; addressing disciplinary matters with students, teachers, and parents; as well as student supervision and safety. 

 

Connections Advisory Program

The Griswold High School Advisory Program, Connections, supports the social, emotional, and academic development of each GHS student by providing on-going interaction with faculty members through discussion and planned activities in the classroom setting.  Connections sessions occur at designated times throughout the school year.

 


 

Educational, Safety, Mental Health and Food Insecurity Resources

Please note:  Public Act 21-116 requires each local and regional board of education to distribute the Support & Services information at least semi-annually, in September and May, to the parents and guardians of each student in the school district and to any student taking a course in health and safety, and make the link available on its website.

 

Parent and Student Resources for crisis intervention, outpatient counseling, grief and loss support, and more:

Crisis Intervention

Emergency Mobile Psych Services (EMPS): Dial 211 (24/7 support)

Mobile Outreach (DMHAS): (860)886-9302 (24/7 support)

The Trevor Helpline (LGBTQ+ support): (866)488-7386 (www.thetrevorproject.org) (24/7 support)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 or 1(800)273-8255 (24/7 support)

Mental Health or Suicide Crisis National and CT Hotlines PDF (English y Español)

 

Outpatient Counseling

United Community and Family Services

  • Jewett City Site: (860)376-7040
  • Norwich Health Center Site: (860)892-7042

Northeast Clinical
50 Academy Hill Road, Plainfield, CT
(860)564-3015

Catholic Charities
331 E. Main Street, Norwich, CT
(860)889-8346

Affinity Behavioral Health
20 Carver Avenue, Norwich, CT
(860)886-8253

 

Grief and Loss

Bereavement Support Group at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT: (860)889-8331

 

Additional Resources

Contact 211 for additional resources

Griswold PRIDE (Partnership to Reduce the Influence of Drugs for Everyone)

Griswold PRIDE's mission is to unite the citizens of Griswold in a partnership to create and foster a safe, drug-free environment for the entire community by preventing youth substance use and reducing adult substance abuse.