Dedicated in 2003, the Welch Center was named for Barbara Welch, a long-time educator at Mother Guerin High School. The Welch Center, which was available to all students and faculty, promoted the spirit of academic excellence and unfailing generosity so evident in Ms. Welch’s character. As a member of the Mother Guerin community for 32 years, she fostered a love of learning and a quest for excellence.

The Barbara Welch Learning Enrichment Center exemplified Guerin Prep’s commitment to a college-preparatory curriculum while meeting the needs of each individual student.

The center had a two-fold focus in that it provided opportunities for Guerin Prep students to maximize their high school academic performance and enhance their skills in preparation for success in college, career, and life. The Welch Center also supported faculty members in their professional development and their continued implementation of innovative teaching strategies. 
 

OPEN TO ALL GUERIN PREP STUDENTS   

The Welch Center welcomed all students, offering individual help with challenges such as writing college essays, preparing for a difficult test, or in developing better organizational skills. All students were encouraged to visit the Center and take advantage of its formal programs and informal opportunities to enhance their academic experience at Guerin. Individual tutoring on a short or long-term basis is available from certified teachers and student peer tutors.

The center was located in Room 213 of Guerin Prep and open from 7:30 a.m. until the end of the school day. Students were invited to use the Center before school, during their lunch period, and during study periods. The Center encouraged individual and group study. Each student must have a directed goal to participate in any of the programs offered by the Center. Interested students must report to the Center before the bell, whether they are coming from study or lunch. It is recommended that students who need a tutor in a specific academic area confer with the Director of the Welch Center before the scheduled time period.
 

SPECIAL SERVICES THROUGH THE WELCH CENTER   
Some accommodations for students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are made, where possible, in collaboration with Leyden Area Special Education Cooperative (LASEC).                                                               

THE WELCH CENTER STAFF   
Director Kathleen Hayes, a 2003 graduate of Mother Theodore Guerin High School, began her career at Guerin Prep as part of the finance office support staff in June 2008. She joined the Barbara Welch Center at the start of the 2009-2010 school year. Ms. Hayes received a B.A. in English Composition from Dominican University in 2008 and her MAT from Dominican University in 2017. In addition to her duties in the Center, Ms. Hayes assisted with the Sullivan program, served as a Senior class moderator, and is a member of the English Department.  Ms. Hayes can be contacted via e-mail at khayes@guerinprep.org.