Counselor Connection

Seniors are doing an excellent job completing their college applications, we have already had 170 students complete 1,059 applications that have been sent to 201 colleges!

The next major early action deadlines are November 5th, November 15th and December 1st. Seniors are encouraged meet with their guidance counselor if they have any questions or need assistance finalizing their applications!

Please note: Counselors will resend transcripts to colleges for all the students that have applied early action after report cards are issued.

As a reminder, the Senior Timeline provides a monthly overview of everything college-bound seniors need to complete, be sure to check it regularly to stay on track!

Thank you to everyone who attended our Financial Aid Night on Thursday, October 23, with college financing expert Jodi Conway. For those who were unable to attend, we want to make sure you still have access to the valuable information shared. During the session, topics covered included completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile applications, estimating eligibility, creating a timeline to meet financial aid deadlines, understanding student loan debt, reviewing types of aid on award letters, exploring merit aid, and tips for appealing both merit- and need-based financial aid awards. Click below to view the slides from the presentation so you can review these resources at your convenience.

During the month of November, we have several upcoming Guidance Workshops scheduled during Flex Block. Students can sign up during Anchor Block each Monday or see their guidance counselor to register. Parents/guardians, please encourage your students to participate!

Below are the upcoming workshops and their descriptions:

A representative from MassHire will present information about a FREE 13-week training program offered through South Shore Technical Institute. This opportunity is open to seniors and recent graduates and provides hands-on training in fields such as Automotive, Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Landscape Design & Construction, and Metal Fabrication. The next session begins January 12, and open enrollment started on October 1. Students in all grade levels are encouraged to attend to learn more about this valuable program. We especially encourage seniors to take advantage of this opportunity to plan ahead for their future career pathways. (This is open to both college-bound and non college-bound students!) For more information about this program click here.

Completing community service hours (15 hours for seniors and 20 hours for underclassmen) is an MHS graduation requirement. Engaging in community service not only fulfills this requirement but also helps students develop leadership skills, empathy, and a sense of civic responsibility. It is a meaningful way to give back, make connections, and gain valuable real-world experience. During this workshop, the guidance counselors will discuss what activities count toward community service, share information about local organizations currently seeking volunteers, and demonstrate how to log completed service hours. This workshop is open to students in grades 9-12 and will take place in the Presentation Center.

Lindsay Beddoe, Senior Admission Counselor from Massasoit Community College, will present during Flex Block to share valuable information about opportunities available at Massasoit Community College. Lindsay will discuss the application process, available academic programs, and the details of MassReconnect, the initiative that provides free tuition for Massachusetts residents. This is a great opportunity for seniors and underclassmen to learn more about the benefits of beginning their college journey at a local community college.

This workshop is open to seniors who may need a little extra motivation to complete their college applications. Now that first-term grades are available on your transcript, it is the perfect time to finish up and hit “submit”! Guidance counselors will be on hand to answer questions, provide feedback, and help you through the application process. Remember, even if your college has a later deadline, you do not have to wait until then to submit your application!

During this workshop, guidance counselors will assist seniors in completing the STAR (Self-Reported Transcript Academic Record) form, which is required by some colleges and universities as part of the admissions process (including some popular colleges such as UMASS Amherst, UConn, Clemson, UNH, URI and Penn State). The STAR requires students to report their own high school courses, grades, and academic information directly to the college. After submitting an application, students typically receive an email from the college with instructions on how to access and complete the STAR form, so it is important to check your email frequently. Counselors will review how to navigate the STAR system, what information to include, and provide students with a copy of your transcript to ensure accuracy. This workshop is a great opportunity to get hands-on support and make sure your submission is complete and error-free! To view the list of colleges that require the STAR form click here.

The junior class completed the PSAT on October 29, 2025, during the school day. Scores are expected to be available around November 14. Juniors who provided their cell numbers on test day can access their scores through the BigFuture School mobile app, while those who did not can view their results by creating a College Board student account. In December, guidance counselors will host a workshop for juniors to help them interpret their PSAT scores and explore how the results can inform decisions about future AP courses, college planning, and other opportunities.

For detailed information and resources on the PSAT/NMSQT, click here.

Students who are considering a change in course level are encouraged to discuss their options with their teachers soon, as the deadline for level changes is approaching on November 7th. Engaging in these conversations early allows time to weigh the benefits and challenges of adjusting course rigor. If a level change is deemed beneficial, students should then meet with their guidance counselor to obtain and complete a level change form.

Proactively consulting with teachers and counselors can ensure that any adjustments align with academic goals and support success. Make sure to reach out soon to complete the process smoothly before the deadline.

This is a reminder to all AP students that AP fees are due on Friday, November 14th. A check made payable to the Town of Marshfield should be turned in to guidance along with the AP Registration Form. The cost of each exam is $99. Any student that qualifies for reduced/free lunch or is in need of financial assistance should contact their Guidance Counselor directly as a reduced fee may be available to those students.

All students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses will be taking the corresponding exams in May 2026. The exams will be given at Marshfield High School May 4th-15th. The dates/times of each exam along with registration information was mailed home in September and can also be viewed here.

Please note: All AP Students are reminded that if you drop an AP course after November 14th there will be a $40 fee charged by the College Board.

Students that want to take the SAT at Marshfield High School now have priority access to register for the exam. Registration will open exclusively to Marshfield High School students up to four weeks prior to the national registration deadline. After this priority period, registration will then be made available to the public, allowing students from other towns to register. (Please note: It is recommended that Juniors wait to take the SAT until the spring - all juniors will take the PSAT in October at MHS at no cost and can use those test results to help prepare for the SAT!)

Please note: Any student that has a financial hardship may see their guidance counselor to see if they are eligible for a fee waiver.

Start Term 2 Strong! Term 1 ended on Friday, October 31, report cards will be issued on Friday, November 7th. This is a reminder that, in addition to meeting with your teachers directly after school & during Flex block support options include:

Writing Lab

The Writing Lab, located in Room 338, is available every block throughout the year to support students with their writing assignments and revisions. Whether students need help brainstorming, organizing their ideas, or polishing final drafts (including college essays!), the Writing Lab offers a space to receive help. No appointment is necessary, students need to create an E-Hall pass from their study hall or strategies teacher before heading to the Lab. Please note that the Writing Lab is staffed by 1-2 English teachers each period and will be closed daily from 11:27–11:48 for first lunch.

The Writing Lab teacher rotation is as follows:

A block: Mrs. Kurland & Mrs. Vitez

Flex block: Closed

B block: Mrs. Hill & Mr. Raymond

C block: Ms. Alongi & Ms. Contrino

D block: Ms. Cotta

E block: Mrs. Hickey & Mrs. Wakefield

F block: Mrs. Magarian & Ms. Timlin

Math Lab

The Math Lab, located in Room 253 is available to students throughout the day for extra help in math or to make-up math assessments. The Math Lab is a great resource for students looking to strengthen their math skills and stay on top of their coursework. Students do not need to make an appointment, but must create an E-hall pass from the room that they are leaving whether it be a study, Strategies, or Academic Lab.

The Math Lab teacher rotation will be as follows:

A block: Mr. Egan

FLEX: NOT OPEN

B block: Mr. Stahelski

C block: Mr. Donlan (closed for 1st lunch from 11:27 am-11:48 am)

D block: Ms. Hill

E days will be Ms. Alberico-Hatcher with the math lab being closed for flex from 9:29 am-9:59 am and first lunch from 11:27am-11:48am.

Marshfield After School Tutoring (MAST)

Students in all grades are encouraged to stop into MAST for after school tutoring or homework help! Students can also make-up assessments when needed. The program will begin on September 8th and will take place Monday-Thursday from 2:30-4:00 PM, click the link below to view the MAST schedule.

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).

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.

• 11/5, 11/15 & 12/1 - Early Action College App Deadlines
• 11/7 - Deadline for Course Level Changes
• 11/7 - Report Cards Issued
• 11/15 - SSTI Presentation during Flex Block
• 11/12 & 11/13 - Community Service Presentation during Flex Block
• 11/14 - Massasoit Community College Presentation during Flex Block
• 11/14 - AP Exam Fees Due Date
• 11/19 - College Application Workshop during Flex Block
• 11/18 & 11/20 - STAR Form Workshop during Flex Block

Kerran Goff, Guidance Coordinator
Email: kgoff@mpsd.org
Student Assignments:
Grade 9: Go-Hi
Grades 10-12: Hap-Ken

Dan Carlon
Email: dcarlon@mpsd.org
Student Assignments:
Grade 9: A-Cola
Grades 10-12: A - Cam, W - Z

Katelyn Raymond
Email: kraymond@mpsd.org
Student Assignments:
Grade 9: Cole-Gl
Grades 10-12: Can - E

Mike Ruuska
Email: mruuska@mpsd.org
Student Assignments:
Grade 9: Ho-McG
Grades 10-12: Keo - M

Susan Smith
Email: ssmith@mpsd.org
Student Assignments:
Grade 9: Mci-Ro
Grades 10-12: N - Shaw

Amanda Zagami

Email: azagami@mpsd.org

Student Assignments:

Grade 9: Ru-Z

Grades 10-12: F - Han, Shay - V

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