Counselor Connection

Congratulations on successfully completing the first quarter! For students who have already submitted their college applications, the guidance counselors have forwarded your transcripts, including first-quarter grades, to all the colleges that you have already applied to. Seniors should actively check the email that was used on college applications for updates and be sure to notify your guidance counselor of any admission decisions!

Any senior that is applying to a college with an application deadline of January 1st will need to complete their transcript request form before winter break to ensure materials are sent in time.

Any student, regardless of income, who wishes to be considered for federal, state, or school financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans must complete the FAFSA form. Colleges use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for financial aid, which may include various forms of support such as grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans.

To complete the FAFSA, you will need the following:

• Verified FSA ID username and password.
• Contributor information (parent or spouse), including name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address.
• Income and asset details (if applicable).

MassEdCO is available to assist parents/guardians with one-on-one appointments for completing the FAFSA. Appointments will be available once the FAFSA form is launched. For more information, please visit MassEdCO.org or call 508-586-3100.

We are excited to announce the 67th Annual Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Awards Program! This opportunity is open to all graduating high school seniors across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who are pursuing a college degree or job training. This year, over $500,000 in scholarships will be awarded to deserving students.

Eligibility and Application Process:

To qualify, students must:

1. Be a high school senior.
2. Complete the online application.
3. Register and take the scholarship exam.
   
   

Important Deadlines:

• Registration Deadline: Friday, December 20, 2024 (No late registrations will be accepted).
• Exam Date: Monday, February 3, 2025.

The exam, consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions and one essay, is based on material provided in the study guide. It will be administered online during the school day in the MHS Presentation Center. Additional details will be provided to registered students.

Study Resources:

Comprehensive study materials, including the study guide, flashcards, and practice quizzes, are available here. For a complete list of scholarships and the FAQ, please visit the Massachusetts AFL-CIO website.

Questions?

For further information, please contact Mr. Ruuska in Guidance at MRuuska@mpsd.org. We encourage all eligible seniors to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity!

Turn your ambitions into action! The MHS Senior Internship Experience is your gateway to exploring the professional world, building real-world skills, and preparing for your future. This six-week program offers seniors the opportunity to dive into the culture of a business, completing 150 on-site hours during the fourth term, from Monday, April 7, 2025, to Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Accepted students will be excused from their regular classes (except for AP courses until exams are completed), trading textbooks for hands-on learning and career exploration. Participants will:

• Attend weekly meetings (in-person or virtual).
• Engage in online discussions via Canvas.
• Maintain a weekly journal documenting their experience.
• Deliver a final presentation in place of traditional coursework.
  
  

The program culminates with the Internship Experience Celebration on Thursday, May 29, 2025, where students showcase their achievements.

Join Mrs. Binette after school on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, in Room 103 to learn more about the program, review qualifications, and pick up application materials. Can’t make it? Stop by Room 103 during the lunch block or email Mrs. Joanna Binette at jbinette@mpsd.org to schedule a meeting.

Application Deadline: Friday, December 13, 2024

Apply online via the 2025 Internship Program Application Form and upload the following documents:

1. Your resume
2. Recommendation/Approval Form (available in Room 103 or linked in the application)
3. 500-word essay: Career exploration and real-world knowledge are integral goals of any internship experience. To help the internship committee better determine your candidacy as an intern, please reflect on and answer the following question: How would this internship experience help you prepare for life after Marshfield High School?
   
   

Don’t miss this chance to gain hands-on experience, grow your network, and pave the way for your future.

The Peterson School in Westwood, MA is hosting an Explore the Trades event on Saturday December 7th from 9am-12pm. Prospective students will have the opportunity to review the highlights of hands-on instruction, gaining valuable insight into the skills required to pursue a fulfilling career in their chosen trade (Electrical, Plumbing, or HVAC). Click the link below to register!

The South Shore Technical Institute, in partnership with the MASSHIRE Workforce Board, is launching a FREE 15-week program to train the next generation of skilled workers in key trades and technical jobs. The Metal Fab & Welding, Landscape Design & Construction and Carpentry Programs are available to high school seniors in good standing. Classes take place Monday-Thursday from 4:00 - 8:00 PM starting January 21st, 2025.

Benefits for Participants

• Completely Free Courses: Open to qualified applicants through the MassHire Career Centers.
• Flexible Support: Funds are available to assist with transportation needs, including gas cards, vouchers, and other incentives to help students succeed.
• Career-Ready Skills: Gain the hands-on training and technical expertise employers are actively seeking.
  
  

This is a great opportunity for any senior that is looking for an opportunity to gain the tools, training, and support you need to start a successful career —all at no cost to you!

For more information or to register, click the link below.

We are excited to introduce Scoir, our new college & career planning system, which will take the place of Naviance starting with the class of 2026. (Seniors will continue to use Naviance for the remainder of the school year.) After careful consideration, we have selected Scoir to support students through the college & career selection and application process because it offers the best tools for discovering colleges that align with both your academic goals and personal interests on a user friendly platform.

All students in grades 9-11 will be given the opportunity to create Scoir accounts during Advisory on January 8th. In addition, they will be provided with an overview of the program and all of its benefits and resources.

Students will also have the option to invite their parents/guardians to join Scoir, giving families the opportunity to participate in the college selection process and gain valuable insights into the cost of attendance at different institutions. We will use Scoir to communicate with students throughout the college planning process and to send application materials and letters of recommendation electronically to colleges.

We are thrilled to offer Scoir to our students and families and are confident that everyone will find it to be an invaluable and user-friendly resource. For a preview and to become familiar with Scoir and all it has to offer watch this brief video.

In January, guidance counselors will meet with all juniors during their English classes to discuss their post-secondary plans. These meetings will cover the key steps students need to take if they are interested in exploring apprenticeship programs with a Massachusetts union, attending a trade school, joining a branch of the military, or applying to a two or four-year college.

During the classroom meetings counselors will also provide an in-depth overview of the college application process. Students will learn how to use Scoir to research colleges and programs, as well as access scattergrams to identify schools that align with their GPA and academic profile, helping them find the right fit.

Finally, we will follow up with all juniors with a 1-1 meeting to discuss their post-secondary plans in detail. All students and parents are encouraged to view the Junior College Planning Overview and Checklist to have an idea of the timeline and what to expect as they start the college application process.

When: Thursday, January 30, 6:30 PM
Where: Marshfield High School Auditorium

Join us for an informative evening as we welcome admissions counselors from:

• College of the Holy Cross
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Bridgewater State University
• University of Vermont
• Northeastern University -(tentative)

Learn insider tips on the college admissions process, including:

• What colleges look for in applications
• How to write a standout essay
• Navigating deadlines and financial aid

This is a great opportunity for students and parents to get questions answered and gain insights directly from admissions professionals! Whether you're just beginning your college search or finalizing your applications, this event is for you, all grades are welcome!

Don’t miss it! Bring your questions and a notebook—see you there!

If you have a question you would like the moderator to ask please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.

This is a reminder to all AP students that the AP fees were due on Friday, November 15th. If you have not yet submitted your payment, please make a check payable to the Town of Marshfield and submit it to the guidance office along with your AP Registration Form. The cost of each exam is $99.

Students who qualify for reduced/free lunch or are in need of financial assistance should contact their Guidance Counselor directly, as a reduced fee may be available.

All students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses are required to take the corresponding exams in May 2025. These exams will take place at Marshfield High School from May 5th-16th. Detailed information, including the specific dates and times of each exam, was mailed home in September and can also be viewed here.

Please note that, now that the November 15th deadline has passed, any student who drops an AP course will be charged a $40 fee.

The Massachusetts Army National Guard will be visiting Wednesday, December 11, at 9:30 AM in the Guidance Office.

If you are interested in learning about the opportunities and benefits the National Guard offers, don’t miss this chance to connect directly with their representatives.

How to Register: Contact the Guidance Secretary, Marjory Graney by emailing MGraney@mpsd.org to secure your spot.

Explore your future—register today!

Now that we have started term 2, it is a good time for students to utilize the academic supports offered at MHS!

Options include:

Math Lab (RM 253) - Available from 8:00 am - 2:30 pm on A days and 8:15 am - 2:15 pm on E days

Writing Conference (RM 338) - Available every block from Monday - Friday
MAST - After school homework help Mon-Thurs, 2:30-4:00 pm in MHS Library
Staying after school with a teacher - Please make appointment with your teacher in advance

All students are required to complete community service as part of the graduation requirements. Upon completion of their service hours, students must log their hours by accessing the Community Service Hours Tracking Google Form. Please note that students are responsible for logging their own hours using their school email addresses. (Parents are unable to access the form). During the December 11th Advisory all students in grades 9-12 will receive an overview of the Community Service Requirements and how they can fulfill their hours.

Community service refers to voluntary work intended to help people in a particular area or contribute to the betterment of the community. This can include a wide range of activities, such as assisting at local shelters, participating in environmental clean-up efforts, tutoring students, or helping at community events. Community service not only benefits those in need but also helps volunteers develop skills, gain experience, and foster a sense of civic responsibility.

Click here to access a list of community resources available for completing your service hours.

12/4 - Senior Internship Meeting

12/7 - Peterson School Explore the Trades Event

12/11 - MA Army National Guard Meeting

12/11 - Advisory - Community Service Overview

12/13 - Senior Internship Application Deadline

12/20 - AFL-CIO Scholarship Deadline

1/8 - Advisory - Students Create Scoir Accounts

1/30 - College Admissions Panel Night

2/3 - AFL-CIO Exam

Kerran Goff - Guidance Coordinator

kgoff@mpsd.org

Student Assignments: Hap-Ken

Dan Carlon

dcarlon@mpsd.org

Student Assignments: A - Cam, W - Z

Amanda Benard

abenard@mpsd.org
Student Assignments: F - Han, Shay - V

Katelyn Raymond

kraymond@mpsd.org

Student Assignments: Can - E

Mike Ruuska

mruuska@mpsd.org

Student Assignments: Keo - M

Susan Smith

ssmith@mpsd.org

Student Assignments: N - Shaw

Marjory Graney

Administrative Assistant

mgraney@mpsd.org

Laurie Duane

Registrar

lduane@mpsd.org

Marshfield High School
167 Forest Street
Marshfield, MA 02050

Phone: (781) 834-5055
CEEB Code: 221350