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Guidance Newsletter

February 2025 💘

GuidanceNewsletterFebruary 2025 💘

Dates to Remember

Feb. 3rd - 1/2 day for students

Feb. 3rd - 7th - National School Counseling Week!

Feb. 6th - Seal of Biliteracy Test Grades 11/12

Feb. 10th - QCC Decision Day

Feb. 12th - Fitchburg State Decision Day

Feb. 13th - UMASS Dartmouth Decision Day

Feb. 14th - Framingham State Decision Day

Feb. 17th - 21st - Vacation!

💌 Senior Scoop 💌

Has your Senior applied to college yet? Are they interested in Quinsigamond Community College, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, or University of Massachusetts Dartmouth? From February 10th to the 14th, the Millbury Jr./Sr. High School guidance department will be hosting their second annual On The Spot Decision Day. Colleges and Universities from around Massachusetts will come in to give on the spot decisions to our students for admission to their institution. They will be at the school on specific days (see below) to meet with our students. Students will be asked to apply to the schools prior to the event and will receive a decision when they meet with the respective admissions counselor. Please have them fill out the interest form below and ask them to meet with their guidance counselor to receive the minimum requirements each institution is looking for.


Interest form: https://forms.gle/Kvaxzu8FFbQY5krR9


Monday, February 10th

  • Quinsigamond Community College


Wednesday, February 12th

  • Fitchburg State University


Thursday, February 13th

  • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth


Friday, February 14th

  • Framingham State University


FAFSA and MASFA Reminder:

Now is the time for high school seniors to fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, for students who are eligible non-citizens, the Massachusetts Application for Student Financial Aid (MASFA). Both applications can make higher education more affordable. All federal and state student aid and some private sources require completion of FAFSA. It is critical that students complete these documents for no-cost community college through MassEducate or access to MassGrantPlus, which can greatly reduce the cost of attendance for low- and middle-income students at Massachusetts public four-year colleges and universities. Schools are asked to please check with students to ensure that they are completing these documents and checking on their eligibility for unprecedented state financial aid opportunities. Schools and districts can use Edwin to use DESE’s FAFSA reports to see which students may not have completed their FAFSA yet. More details about FAFSA-related events are available from DESE and MEFA.


2025 - 2026 Course Selection💡

Our introduction to course selection for students will start on Monday, February 3, 2025 with the class of 2026. Each grade will have a week to choose courses in the X2 Aspen portal after having access to the how-to-videos! See below for the schedule. We ask that students check their school email accounts on a regular basis for updates. We also encourage parents/guardians to have a discussion with your child(ren) about their future goals when considering which courses to take.


Students will be called down during their designated weeks to select courses with their counselors. Prior to meeting with your counselor, you should review the Program of Studies (coming soon!) and make a list of electives AND alternative electives (just in case!). If you have any questions - please reach out to your counselor.

⭐Student Spotlight ⭐

Please see our guidance website for our newest edition of the Woolie Spotlight

💝 Sources of Strength💝

Students will be working on their campaign this month involving a school wide playlist full of songs that students can submit using the QR codes around the school - go check it out!

Program of Studies

Stay tuned, the program of studies will be going LIVE soon!

Junior High Updates💘

Cartwheel Opportunities

Wednesday, February 5th, 7-8pm ET / 6-7pm CT


How to Recognize Early Signs of Disordered Eating and What to Do


Register here




Content warning: Eating disorders can affect kids and teens across all genders, races, and household income levels, though some may be at higher risk. Join Cartwheel and Dr. Amy Egbert ahead of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week to explore the complex factors behind disordered eating and how to support a loved one when you think they may have an eating disorder.

This webinar will cover early signs and symptoms, practical tips for fostering supportive, non-judgmental conversations, and how to explore treatment options when you think that a loved one may have an eating disorder.

This virtual event is part of Cartwheel's free webinar series for parents, caregivers, and school staff.


Missed one of our past webinars?


Watch a Webinar Replay


Catch up on our past webinars, including:

  • Understanding Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI): What It Is, How to Spot It, and How to Help
  • Raising Resilient & Confident Kids in the Age of Achievement Culture
  • Social Media and Youth Mental Health: What to Know, What to Do
  • The Relationship Between ADHD & Learning Disorders
  • Helping Our Pre-Teens and Teens Thrive: Parenting Strategies for the Adolescent Years
  • Breaking Generational Cycles: Rewriting Parenting Patterns
  • When and How to Seek Mental Health Support
  • Five Keys to Parenting Children with ADHD


Please see the sheet below on why Telehealth is a viable alternative:

Parent Resources

The Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth has a free Parenting Solutions Library is now available in Spanish. MPY is offering this valuable resource in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions, a non-profit organization located in Mansfield, Connecticut.


The Home Parenting Solutions Library may easily be accessed using the link on MPY’s home page or by scanning the QR code below in the flyer. No log in or passcode is needed.

Self-Care Tip of the Month

February Is The Perfect Month For Self-Love. Self-love and self-care are challenging for may us, however, when we are balancing so many things and tend to put ourselves last. The more we put ourselves first, though, the more that we have to give others. It's an interesting dynamic.


Some of the things that you can do to love yourself more include:


  • Ensuring that you are feeding your mind and soul.
  • Giving yourself enough sleep and physical care.
  • Placing an emphasis on spending enjoyable time with others.
  • Staying true to what you really want out of life.
  • Helping others when you can.
  • Giving back and saying thank you.
  • Standing up for yourself.
  • Recognizing your own efforts and accomplishments.
  • Taking time to breathe.

National School Counselors Week 💗

Thank a School Counselor🥰

We are Here for You!💞


Not sure who your student's counselor is? Please click here for more information.



Check out our Virtual Counseling Suite.

Connect with Us

Keep in touch and see what is going on by adding us on our social media pages!


Instagram: @the_guiding_woolies


Twitter: @GuidingWoolies

Millbury Jr./Sr. High School
Guidance Department