Counselor Connection
January, 2026
When: Thursday, January 29, 6:30 PM
Where: Marshfield High School Auditorium
Join us for an informative evening as we welcome admissions counselors from:
- Boston College
- Bridgewater State University
- Northeastern University
- University of Connecticut
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Get a closer look at the college admissions process, including:
What colleges look for in applications
How to craft a strong essay
Managing deadlines and financial aid
This event is an excellent opportunity for students and parents to ask questions and hear directly from admissions professionals. Whether you are starting your college search or finalizing applications, this session is open to all grade levels and is designed to provide valuable insights for every stage of the process.
If you have a question you would like the moderator to ask please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.
The 2nd marking period will close on January 23rd and report cards will be issued on Friday, January 30th. During the 1st week of February, the guidance counselors will automatically send student midyear transcript to all the colleges to which they have already applied via Scoir, there is no need to submit a request.
College decisions are starting to arrive, and we can’t wait to recognize the exciting next steps our seniors are taking! As acceptances come in, all seniors should remember to update their Scoir accounts with their college acceptances. Students planning to pursue a trade, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce directly after graduation should connect with their guidance counselor to share their plans.
Banners have already been hung outside the guidance office highlighting the wide range of futures our seniors are headed toward!
As a follow-up to the Senior Parents Financial Aid Night presentation, financial aid expert Jodi Conway will be hosting a series of webinars designed to help families better understand financial aid award letters. These sessions will also provide guidance on how to appeal both merit-based and need-based financial aid offers.
Session #1:
Understanding Financial Aid Award Letters: Financial aid award letters are not standardized; some colleges provide a detailed breakdown of the award offer and your out-of-pocket costs but most colleges fail to clearly communicate this crucial information. Attend this webinar for a detailed breakdown of the various components of your financial aid award letters and how to calculate your out-of-pocket cost at each school.
Choose from the following three options and click the link to register:
Tuesday, January 13th 6:00-6:45pm
Wednesday, January 21st 6:00-6:45 pm
Tuesday, February 3rd 6:00-6:45pm
Session #2:
Appealing Merit and Need Based Awards: You must approach merit and need based appeals
differently-there are specific financial situations that warrant need-based appeals while merit
appeals require a different focus. We will discuss how the two differ and tailoring your approach to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Choose from the following two options and click the link to register:
Thursday, February 12th 6:00-6:45pm
Tuesday, February 24th 6:00-6:45pm
Attendees will receive a copy of the webinar slide deck. We hope you take advantage of this opportunity!
Please feel free to submit questions to Jodi in advance: jodi@conwaycollegeaid.com
During the month of December, guidance counselors met with juniors during Flex block to discuss postsecondary planning and they explored a range of options, including four-year and two-year colleges, trade programs (including unions and other opportunities), gap year experiences, and military pathways. Guidance also hosted a series of workshops focused on these pathways, and all juniors completed a survey indicating which sessions they wished to attend. Students were able to select multiple areas of interest.
During the workshops, counselors reviewed the Junior College Planning Timeline and provided a live demonstration of Scoir, showing students how to research colleges, trade programs, careers, and potential majors, as well as how to effectively use Scoir’s planning tools. As a follow-up, all juniors will be asked to schedule a one-on-one meeting with their guidance counselor during the month of January to discuss their individual postsecondary plans and receive personalized support.
To view the various presentations, please click the links below:
Throughout January, guidance counselors will meet with all sophomores during Flex Block. In the first session, students will receive a copy of their transcript and work on their High School Four-Year Graduation Plan. Students will enter courses taken last year and this year and project courses for junior and senior years. This process helps students monitor progress toward graduation requirements and plan coursework that strengthens their transcript for future college applications and potential majors.
Students will also log into Scoir to complete their profile by entering school and extracurricular activities. This information saves year to year and can be used to generate a professional resume for college applications, jobs, and other opportunities. Counselors will demonstrate how to use Scoir to explore careers based on interests and connect those careers to potential college majors and colleges.
During the second Flex Block session, sophomores will complete the PrinciplesYou Assessment, a scientifically validated character assessment that measures traits across three areas: cognitive, interpersonal, and motivational. Students respond to statements using a 7-point scale.
The assessment which is in Scoir takes approximately 30–40 minutes, can be completed in multiple sittings, and saves progress automatically. Responses cannot be changed once submitted. Upon completion, students receive Archetype results that help them understand career fit, work styles, and potential career matches.
Students may also invite parents to create a Scoir account, allowing them to view their child’s PrinciplesYou results and begin meaningful postsecondary planning conversations.
Term 2 will be coming to an end soon, students are encouraged to to utilize the academic supports offered at MHS! 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 began 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).
What Counts as Community Service 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 the link below for a list of volunteer opportunities within the Marshfield community.
1/13 - Understanding Financial Aid Award Letters Webinar w/ Jodi Conway (Option #1)
1/21 - Understanding Financial Aid Award Letters Webinar w/ Jodi Conway (Option #2)
1/23 - 2nd Marking Period Closes
1/29 - College Admissions Panel Night (All Grades Welcome!)
1/30 - Term 2 Report Cards Issued
2/3 - AFL-CIO Exam
2/3 - Understanding Financial Aid Award Letters Webinar w/ Jodi Conway (Option #3)
2/5 - Senior Scholarship Meeting (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
Laurie Duane
Registrar
Marshfield High School
167 Forest Street
Marshfield, MA 02050
Phone: (781) 834-5055
CEEB Code: 221350