MSHS Counseling Newsletter

2026 PSAT/NMSQT Test

The PSAT is a standardized exam which measures reading, writing and language skills and math problem-solving skills. For Juniors, the PSAT also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). The scholarship competition is co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). If you are interested in registering, please review the information below and sign up for this test using the PSAT Registration Form in Google Classroom.

EducationQuest's FREE Virtual College-Prep Events

Seniors & Parents/Guardians, EducationQuest is is offering FREE virtual college prep events to help you learn more about available financial aid programs and complete the FAFSA completion. See the flyer below for event dates and to register.

CARES Survey in September

Parents/Guardians, during the month of September our school will focus on suicide awareness and prevention. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth between 10 and 19 years of age. We know that suicide is preventable.

Youth who are contemplating suicide often give warning signs of their distress. Parents, teachers, and friends are in key positions to notice these signs and to help. It is imperative for all to understand that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Our school district feels it is imperative to educate our staff, students and community about the warning signs. One should never take these warning signs lightly or promise to keep them secret. We understand this topic can be difficult and overwhelming, but keeping this an ongoing conversation can make a difference.

Students will complete a three question screener. Staff and students will receive one of our hotline cards with a number to call when a student, parent, or staff member sees these warning signs in another individual or needs help themselves. The hotline is a free and confidential resource to support and empower individuals, our youth, and families within Millard Public Schools. With all adults and students in our school community standing together, and committed to making suicide prevention a priority, we can help youth before they engage in behavior with final consequences. If you do not want your child to participate in the survey, please email your child's school counselor.

Seniors! It's not too early to start thinking about your preparation and plans for graduation in May. Click on this link to view key dates such as yearbook photo deadlines, cap & gown distribution day, and other important information.

Senior & Junior Postsecondary Planning Night

Senior & Junior Parents and Students! Please attend Senior & Junior College Planning Night on Wednesday, September 9th at 6:00pm in the Millard South Auditorium. We will be sharing information about the college planning process and will discuss applying to college, campus visits, scholarships, financial aid, how to request transcripts, and more. Please attend this important event! If you have any questions please contact your school counselor.

Before our presentation begins at 6:00pm, multiple military representatives will be available to meet with students and families, as well as Jenny Valentine from Metropolitan Community College who share information about Microcredentials (free career prep opportunities). Please feel free to stop by between 5:30pm-6:00PM to meet with any of these community connections!

Save The Dates

The Counseling Department has great events coming up for you this year. Below is a list of event dates to review, add to your calendar if they apply to you, and get ready for a great year! Stay tuned for more information on each of these events as they get closer. Reach out to your counselor with any questions.

• Senior & Junior Postsecondary Planning Night: September 9th, 6:00pm
• Apply2College: October 1st, 8:00am-11:00am
• Cap & Gown Distribution: April 27th, 8:00am - 3:15pm
• College Decision Day: May 1st, 8:00am - 10:00am

College Rep Visits Coming Up!

• Johns Hopkins University: Thursday, September 10th; 2:45pm - 3:15pm
• Wayne State College: Friday, September 11th; 9:05am - 9:35am
• University of Kansas: Friday, September 11th; 11:00am - 11:28am
• University of Iowa: Monday, September 14th; 9:45am - 10:12am
• Gonzaga University: Tuesday, September 15th; 11:00am - 11:28am
• Saint Louis University: Tuesday, September 15th; 1:08pm - 1:38pm
• Iowa State University: Tuesday, September 15th; 2:45pm - 3:15pm
• University of Missouri-Columbia: Wednesday, September 16th; 1:08pm - 1:38pm
• Virginia Tech: Thursday, September 17th; 9:05am - 9:35am
• University of Nebraska-Omaha: Thursday, September 17th; 11:00am - 11:28am
• Rice University: Thursday, September 17th; 2:45pm - 3:15pm
• Vanderbilt University: Monday, September 28th: 9:45am - 10:12am
• Nebraska Wesleyan University: Wednesday, September 30th; 11:00am - 11:28am
• Grinnell College: Thursday, October 1st; 10:15am - 10:45am
• Northwest Missouri State University: Tuesday, October 20th; 9:05am - 9:35am
• Boston College: Wednesday, October 28th; 9:05am - 9:35am
• University of Arkansas: Wednesday, October 28th; 11:00am - 11:28am
• Truman State University: Thursday, October 29th; 9:05am - 9:35am
• St. Olaf College: Thursday, October 29th; 11:00am - 11:28am

Students can sign up to attend these visits via SchooLinks. Please reach out to your counselor or visit the Counseling Center if you have any questions about how to sign up.

Hastings College Scott Scholars Program

Applications are open for the Hastings College Scott Scholars Program, a $200,000+ full-ride scholarship for students pursuing business and STEM fields. It’s one of Nebraska's premier merit-based scholarship opportunities. To become a Scott Scholar, students participate in the Community Leadership Challenge. See dates below. To apply and learn more, visit hastings.edu/clc.

• October 9-11 (application deadline: September 20)

• December 11-13

2026-2027 Scholarship Database

Begin your search for scholarships by clicking on this LINK. Create your EducationQuest account today, and search over 2,000 scholarships available in Nebraska!

Career Rep Visits

Career Rep visits will be happening again this year in the Counseling Center! Check future newsletters for dates and details.

Volunteer Opportunities with the Munroe-Meyer Institute

UNMC's Monroe-Meyer Institute is looking for volunteers! They create adapted recreation and leisure opportunities for children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. They have programs year-round, and are currently looking for student volunteers, ages 13+, to support their upcoming Fall programs Volunteers will have the chance to work 1:1 with their participants encouraging socialization, sensory exploration, and overall, just have a good time! All are trained on the best practices for working in the IDD population, and staff are there at all times to make sure both participants and volunteers are set up for success. If you are interested in this role, see the flyer below for more information, or click here to get started.

Log in to SchooLinks and visit the Opportunity Board to explore a variety of employment and volunteer opportunities!

Counselors:

A-Can: Kacy Thurman - kdthurman@mpsomaha.org

Cap-Fe: Liz Dickson - edickson@mpsomaha.org

Fi-Hl: Pam Cornett - pmcornett@mpsomaha.org

Ho-Loo: Michaela Sievers - mesievers@mpsomaha.org

Lop-Oj: Lisa Olsen - lcolsen@mpsomaha.org

Ok-Sca: Emily Townsend - emtownsend@mpsomaha.org

Sch-Wal: Jessica Hamzhie - jmhamzhie@mpsomaha.org

Wan-Z: Emma Wiegert (Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays) - ecwiegert@mpsomaha.org

Mrs. Wiegert is available on Mondays and Wednesdays (all day), and Fridays (mornings).

Social Workers:

A-L: Kristine Townsend - katownsend@mpsomaha.org

M-Z: Rachel Vacek - rhvacek@mpsomaha.org

Psychologists:

A-L: Courney Lohrenz - calohrenz@mpsomaha.org

M-Z: Eva Stalling - emstalling@mpsomaha.org

Administrative Support:

Kathy Slader - kmslader@mpsomaha.org (Registrar/Enrollment/Records, Scholarships)

Rose Moore - rmmoore@mpsomaha.org (College & Career Rep Visits, College Transcripts)