School Counseling Office (Guidance)

Hours: 8:00 am- 4:00 pm

Phone: 518-854-6010/ Fax: 518-854-6974

Kristin Eastman, 7-12 School Counselor
Katelynn Dixon, K-6 School Counselor
Laura Leblanc, Counseling Secretary

Welcome to the Salem Counseling Office! Here you can find links to registration paperwork, directions for the parent portal, helpful web pages, this year's scholarship opportunities, and a calendar of upcoming guidance events. Keep checking back as we will be adding information throughout the school year.

The counseling department provides a program of counseling to support the academic and emotional needs of our students. We are dedicated to the belief that all students can learn. Expectation of high student performance is balanced by a positive and nurturing philosophy. This approach has created a school environment filled with student and staff pride in its united quest for excellence. The office is open year-round. Hours are 8 am to 4 pm during the school year, and 7:30 am to 3:30 pm during the summer.

Please call our office at 518-854-6010 or email:

Kristin Eastman: keastman@salemcsd.org (ext.612)
Katelynn Dixon: kbestafka@salemcsd.org (ext. 627)
Laura LeBlanc: laleblanc@salemcsd.org (ext. 610)

NY State Diploma/Credential Requirements

Parent Portal Directions

Regulations for Student Drivers

Scholarship Opportunities

Students & Financial Literacy

Registration Packet

To register new students, please call Mrs. LeBlanc in the guidance office at 518-854-6010. If you'd like to get started on the paperwork, it is linked above. Otherwise, we can mail you the packet or arrange a time for you to pick it up. In addition to the registration materials, we ask that you provide the following:

Birth certificate
Proof of residence (this could be your license, any piece of mail with your name and address on it, a bill, lease, etc.)
Up-to-date physical and immunization records
Custody paperwork

Once we've received all of the above, we will request school records from your child's previous or current school.

Reach out between 7:45 am and 3:45 pm during the summer!

SAT Information

Standardized testing receives a lot of attention in the college application process. Good scores can open many doors. However, students should keep in mind that test scores are one piece of the admission process.

When it comes to testing there is a “rule of three”. Students should consider taking an SAT and an ACT at the end of their junior year. Then retake the test they scored higher on. If a student does not test well, this can be explained to a college. The explanation has more meaning if the student has tested more than once. Colleges will use a student’s highest score in the admission process. Students should keep in mind that colleges are looking for reasons to admit, not reasons to deny admission.

On-line registration is highly recommended. The College Board and ACT do not provide paper copies of the registration form to the guidance office. Please review the information in the links below and feel free to contact our office if you have any questions. Each link contains registration and test date information.

In order to learn where SAT tests are offered, you must first create an account on the College Board website. Once you are ready to sign up for a test, you can find the testing locations on College Board.

The links below will take you to the ACT and SAT websites. You can also visit, the Useful Websites and Resources" tab on the left.

SAT registration and preparation information can be found at www.collegeboard.org

SAT TEST DATES 2023-24

Working Papers For Students

Once a student reaches the age of 14, they are able to apply for a working permit. In order to do so, you can either print off the attached forms or pick up copies from mrs. Leblanc in the guidance office.

It is only necessary for a parent/ guardian to fill out part i of the application for employment certificate form. We don't need proof of age because we already have that handy!

The second form must be signed by the student's doctor. In some cases, the school's nurse may be able to sign the form (this requires that we have an up-to-date physical on file in the school.)

Once those papers have been filled out, return them to mrs. Leblanc in the guidance office in exchange for the working card!

WSWHE BOCES CTE "Women In Trades" Opportunities

Salem Washington Academy and the other component school districts in the WSWHE BOCES are hoping to change perceptions by working together with education, business, and community leaders to inspire more young women to get into the trades and to think more about non-traditional career paths. We are hoping to help women realize there are opportunities for learning and careers right in our own region and empower their future.

Salem Washington Academy

School Counseling Office (Guidance)

Registration Packet

SAT Information

Working Papers For Students

WSWHE BOCES CTE "Women In Trades" Opportunities

Useful Websites and Resources

Financial Aid