By: Emily Mao — School News Editor

As a result of resignations and retirements of a number of teachers and school counselors, Mrs. Jenna McLaughlin became a member of the Sharon High School Community over the summer to replace Mr. Baltera who left to work at an international school. 

McLaughlin went to Bishop Feehan High School, Assumption University for her undergraduate degree, and Northeastern University for graduate school. Her work as a guidance counselor began at Bishop Feehan, where she served as a school counselor for 7 years. 

During her time there, McLaughlin covered a leave at Medfield High School to gain more public school experience. “This experience was important for me as I received more experience with 504/IEPs, MCAS testing and other things that Feehan did not have,” she said.

As a new counselor at Sharon High School, McLaughlin has had to quickly adjust to the new environment and learn all of her students and the faculty, which she says is her biggest challenge so far. “One of the best parts about being a counselor is building rapport with my students and families so I am looking forward to meeting everyone and building our relationship over the next couple of years,” added McLaughlin. 

McLaughlin says the people are what she has enjoyed the most. “My students & families, everyone has been LOVELY, so welcoming, supportive and kind. I truly feel so blessed to be part of this school and community,” said McLaughlin. Additionally, she says she has really connected with her coworkers. “My team of counselors are stellar. We work so well together and have fun at the same time,” she said.

McLaughlin has mainly focused on her seniors and helping them with their college process. “After the initial wave of deadlines are over I am excited to start meeting my underclassmen. Get ready, juniors .. you’re on deck for college meetings soon!” said McLaughlin.

Outside of school, McLaughlin enjoys exercising on her Peloton. “I have the tread and bike and I’m obsessed with both of them!” she said. McLaughlin also loves shopping and being a “girls’ girl.” She says she loves a good spa day, mani/pedi and will never pass up a retail therapy date.

McLaughlin also enjoys traveling to Newport, RI, Sagamore Beach and Ogunquit, Maine with her husband and two kids, Harbour, 4 and Brody, 21/2. 

Adjusting to a new school is challenging, but McLaughlin says she excited to continue working with the wonderful students at SHS and build connections with them.

“One of my favorite quotes (by my great uncle Ray, age 103) is ‘move forward’ and in times of uncertainty as we are going through right now, I encourage all of us to put our best foot forward, embrace the changes that come our way and ‘move forward’ together,” said McLaughlin.