Our School Counseling Team
The School Counseling staff includes a Director of School Counseling, eight full time counselors and one full time student assistance counselor. The School Counseling Department focuses on promoting and supporting growth in our students in academics, as well as mental and emotional wellness.
Director of School Counseling Services - Mr. Andrew Amendola - aamendola@clarkschools.org
Arthur L. Johnson High School 732-382-0910
Mrs. Jennifer Sanchez - jsanchez@clarkschools.org
Mrs. Molly Cusick - mcusick@clarkschools.org
Ms. Meghan Bradley - mbradley@clarkschools.org
Mrs. Ellen Zamboni - ezamboni@clarkschools.org
Mr. Steve Kaelblein - SAC skaelblein@clarkschools.org
Carl H. Kumpf Middle School 732-381-4100
Mr. Joseph Sortino - jsortino@clarkschools.org
Ms. Danielle Crincoli - dcrincoli@clarkschools.org
Valley Road School 732-388-7901
Ms. Sarah Badillo - sbadillo@clarkschools.org
Frank K. Hehnly School 732-381-8100
Ms. Tianna Palumbo - tpalumbo@clarkschools.org
Support Staff
Ms. Roseanne Bowden- rbowden@clarkschools.org
Ms. Susan Smith - ssmith@clarkschools.org
Events & Important Statistics
Every fall/winter, the School Counseling Department hosts Instant Decision Days (IDDs) with local colleges. Colleges that typically participate include:
- Kean University
- Rider University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Seton Hall University
- William Paterson University
- Montclair State University
- Stockton University
- Monmouth University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
For the Class of 2023, we had a 95 meetings with admissions representatives resulting in a nearly 100% acceptance rate for participating seniors. Over $1.27 MILLION in merit scholarships was awarded ON-THE-SPOT from 4 of the above universities, with the rest to provide official financial aid packages via mail/email.
Check out some statistics regarding the college matriculation and postsecondary plans for the Class of 2022.
Help Resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, please contact 911 or call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.
UCCTI Shared-Time Program
Application Process
The application for shared-time programs with the Union County Career & Technical Institute (UCCTI) for the 2021-2022 school year will be located here when available:
2023-2024 Program of Studies
Tutoring Program
ALJ Tutoring
Students in grades 9-12 are invited to work with members of the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society on Tuesdays (Room 4) and Thursdays (Room 214) throughout the school year. Students must sign up to attend before 7:50 a.m. on the day of tutoring.
Paid Tutoring
National Honor Society students are available to tutor students outside of school for a fee of $15/hr. Please utilize this link to request a tutor.
Important Postsecondary Planning Links
- Naviance
- Khan Academy
- Big Future College Board
- Method Test Prep
- NJ Transfer (Credit Equivalency)
- College Application Checklist for Seniors
- Junior Postsecondary Planning Packet
- COLLEGE APPLICATIONS - Supplemental Essay Guide
- Graduation Checklist
- College Scholarship Tracker.pdf
- NCAA Eligibility Center
- School Profile
- FAFSA Updates
SAT/ACT Information
At least one SAT or ACT should be taken before senior year. All colleges in the United States accept both tests. Make sure you are registering for an exam with an essay if your prospective school requires it. Test dates and registration information can be found at the below links:
Scholarships/Financial Aid Information
Visit the ALJ Scholarship/Financial Aid site for monthly scholarship bulletins, external scholarship links, and financial aid resources.
Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for federal financial aid for college/university.
HESAA, the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, is the only New Jersey state agency with the sole mission of providing students and families with resources for students to pursue their postsecondary education. After completing the FAFSA, students can apply for state grants or loans through this website.
The CSS Profile is occasionally required by some colleges to receive financial aid (scholarships included).
Military Academies & Armed Forces
Military representatives visit ALJ throughout the school year. Students interested in pursuing a career in the armed forces or placement into an ROTC program or one of the Service Academies* should speak to his/her counselor to obtain relevant information.
*Students interested in applying to one or more of the Service Academies must discuss this with his/her counselor during junior year of high school. The process of applying is lengthy and detailed.
| Service Academies | Armed Forces | ROTC Programs |
| U.S. Air Force Academy | U.S. Air Force | Air Force ROTC |
| U.S. Coast Guard Academy | U.S. Army | Army ROTC |
| U.S. Merchant Marine Academy | U.S. Coast Guard | Navy ROTC |
| U.S. Military Academy (West Point) | U.S. Marines | |
| U.S. Naval Academy | U.S. Navy |
Vocational/Trade Programs
Course Scheduling and Offerings
Each student will meet individually with his/her School Counselor:
- Prior to this meeting, students will complete the Elective Request Form in the Genesis Parent Portal. Students and families are encouraged to review the Program of Studies to check course offerings, course requirements, and placement criteria. Students should also review the Graduation Checklist when selecting their choices.
- Current juniors (rising seniors) should use this linked worksheet to help them select their elective choices.
- Current sophomores (rising juniors) should this linked worksheet to help them select their elective choices.
- Current freshmen (rising sophomores) should use this linked worksheet to assist them with this process.
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At this meeting, school counselors and students review teacher recommendations and elective/course requests.