It’s a new school year, which means new staff in the building. The Hawks’ Nest has 15 new staff members this year, including guidance counselor Ms. Kristi Palmerino, who has worked for four years in elementary and middle schools.

     Palmerino said this is a career change for her.  “I did something for over 20 years,” explained Palmerino. She said she “wanted to help students do their best in school and help prepare and guide them for whatever their next step might be after graduation.” Guidance counselors in our school help with a number of things, including helping with academics, guiding students through everyday life, and helping students plan their futures. Palmerino is now stepping into that role of helping students, and she says she couldn’t be more excited.

     As a new staff member, Palmerino’s main goal is “getting familiar with the school and getting to know the students.”  She said that NH has a large number of students, but the guidance counselor strives to get to know as many as she can. “I have not been at the high school level before,” she said. “I have worked in elementary and middle school.” She says that with a school that has more students than an elementary or middle school, it gives her more opportunities to help students. Also, now that she is a high school guidance counselor, she will be helping students plan out their futures. That includes helping them get students ready for college, future jobs, and future opportunities.

      North Harford’s guidance counselors play a role in students’ lives, but Palmerino says that isn’t just all they do. Teachers and counselors have much more to them than just a job. One of Palmerino’s favorite activities outside of school is traveling. “I love to travel,” she says. “I will take any opportunity to go somewhere new.” She’s been to a total of 13 countries. “I hope that number continues to grow,” stated Palmerino.

     As Palmerino continues through the year as a counselor at North Harford High School, she said she will try to get to know every student and work with them to help them towards their achievements.