Counselor Connection
October, 2026
The guidance counselors recently hosted post-secondary planning sessions for seniors during flex block. As a follow-up, every senior is encouraged to schedule a 1-1 visit with their guidance counselor. This includes all seniors, whether they are planning on attending a 4-year college, 2-year college, going to trade school, joining the military or entering the workforce. During the individual session, counselors will review graduation credits, community service hours and answer any questions regarding post-secondary plans. All seniors have access to their counselors calendar link to schedule their 1-1 meeting on their Guidance Canvas page.
Common Application Workshops will be offered during Flex Block throughout October. These sessions provide seniors with dedicated time to work on applications, with counselors available to offer guidance and answer questions. Students may sign up for a workshop in MyFlex each Monday during Anchor Block.
The Director of Admissions from Massasoit Community College will be visiting MHS on Friday, October 30, during Flex Block to provide information about the MassTransfer program. Students will learn how the program can provide an affordable pathway to a bachelor’s degree by beginning at a community college and then transferring to a four-year college or university. Students interested in attending should sign up in Scoir to attend this presentation. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the MassTransfer program and explore an affordable college pathway.
On Wednesday, September 30th, the Guidance Department held a College Planning Night for parents, if you were unable to attend please click the link below to view the presentation. The presentation included information about Scoir, Common Application, college admissions, financial aid and more...Follow up with your child's guidance counselor with any questions!
Jodi Conway, a college financing expert, will host a Financial Aid Night at Marshfield High School on Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 PM. The following topics will be discussed in this information-packed college financial aid webinar:
- FAFSA® and College Board CSS Profile® applications
- Preliminary eligibility estimates
- Creating a timeline to meet each college’s financial aid deadlines
- Student loan debt
- A review of the different types of aid you may see on award letters
- Merit aid and how it works
- How to appeal both merit and need-based financial aid awards.
Attention all AP Students! Please be sure to review the AP Exam Informational Letter 2026–2027, which provides details about this year’s AP Exams. Copies have been shared in AP classes and emailed to both students and parents/guardians.
All students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses are required to take the corresponding exams in May 2027, which will be administered at Marshfield High School between May 3–14. The letter outlines specific exam dates and times, along with registration instructions.
The cost of each AP Exam is $99, with payment due by Friday, November 13, 2026. As outlined in the AP info letter, any student that drops and AP course after 11/13 will be charged a $40 fee. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, or who may be experiencing financial hardship, should contact their guidance counselor directly to discuss available assistance.
Students that want to take the SAT at Marshfield High School 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. (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!)
Seniors that are interested in taking the SAT this fall should plan to register using the links below. Please note: Any student that has a financial hardship may see their guidance counselor to see if they are eligible for a fee waiver.
Bridgewater State University offers a workshop that will meet on Sunday's 1-5 PM throughout October and early November to help students prepare for the November 7 & December 5 SAT Exam. The cost for the SAT Prep is $325 and includes a digital SAT study guide. For more information please click here.
UMASS Amherst also offers several SAT/ACT Test Prep and College Essay workshops which meet virtually. For more information, registration and rates please click here.
Students can also take advantage of free test prep available on the Bluebook app which is installed on their Chromebooks, visit the College Board website and use partner resources such as Kahn Academy to help prepare for the SAT.
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) will host a College Fair on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 PM at Wentworth Institute of Technology. A wide variety of colleges will be represented, giving MHS students the opportunity to connect with admissions representatives and explore schools that may be of interest. For more details, to register, and to view the full list of participating colleges, please click here.
Plymouth North High School will host a college fair on October 15th from 6:00-8:00 PM and all MHS students are invited to attend. For more information and to view the list of colleges that will be attending please click here.
Seniors and Juniors are encouraged to sign up to meet with college representatives that are scheduled to come to MHS. Students may view the list of colleges by visiting the homepage on Scoir click on "register" to reserve a slot. The visits will take place in the MHS Guidance Office.
October Rep Visits include: (More colleges may be added, be sure to login to Scoir to check for additions!)
10/2 - Regis College
10/9 - University of New England
10/14 - Gordon College
10/15 - Boston College
10/16 - University of Maine (Fort Kent)
10/20 - Saint Anselm College
10/22 - Roger Williams University
10/23 - Plymouth State University
10/27 - University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
10/29 - Bryant University
10/30 - Massasoit Community College
All Juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) on Wednesday, October 14th. (Students do not need to register or pay for this test.) The testing schedule for the day is as follows:
Flex Block: 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
A Block - PSAT - 8:34-9:59
B Block - PSAT - 10:03 - 11:23
All juniors will attend their C block class starting at 11:27
The PSAT is a College Board standardized test that gives students an indication of how they are likely to score on the SAT. The PSAT score report provides in-depth information regarding a student’s strengths and areas for improvement which can be used as a guide to help prepare for the SAT. The PSAT score report also provides helpful information such as AP Potential and help set target college searches.
Students who score well on the PSAT/NMSQT may be eligible to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program and compete for national recognition and a wide variety of college scholarships.
The PSAT/NMSQT will be administered digitally using the student’s MHS Chromebook. Students will need to make sure they come to school that day on time and with a fully charged Chromebook as the exam is 2.5 hours long.
The Guidance Department will meet with freshmen during Flex Block during the week of October 20th. This will be an opportunity for guidance counselors to check in with students, see how they are adjusting to high school, and answer any questions they may have. Students will also learn more about the role of the guidance department and the resources and supports available to them throughout the school year. Topics will include academic expectations, available in-school supports, social-emotional resources, community service requirements, and strategies for a successful transition to high school.
Click here to view a list of community resources available to complete service hours.
- October 6-9 - PSAT Readiness Check for Juniors
- October 14 - PSAT/NMSQT Testing for Juniors
- October 15 - College Fair - Plymouth South High School
- October 20-24 - Freshmen Guidance Check-In Meetings
- October 22 - SAT Registration Deadline
- October 25 - NACAC College Fair
- October 29 - Financial Aid Night
- October 30 - Massasoit CC / Mass Transfer Program Info Session
- November 13 - Deadline for AP Exam fees
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 (on maternity leave, see counseling assignments for her caseload below)
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
