SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

Phone: 978-897-8891
Fax: 978-897-6089

Counselors are available Monday through Friday during the school day. If you need to meet outside of regular hours, please contact us.

Nicole Fernald, M.Ed., C.A.G.S. (she/her)
Certified School Guidance Counselor
Caseload: Last names Lb-Z (K-Z for class of 2025 and beyond)
Email: nfernald@maynard.k12.ma.us
Phone: 978-897-8891 x3209
Office: B109

Dana MacPhee, M.A., C.A.G.S. (she/her)
Certified School Guidance Counselor
Certified School Adjustment Counselor
Caseload: Specific students, last names A-Z
Email: dmacphee@maynard.k12.ma.us
Phone: 978-897-8891 x3105
Office: A203

Amy Petroskey, M.Ed., Ed.S. (she/her)
Certified School Guidance Counselor
Caseload: Last names A-La (A-J for class of 2025 and beyond)
Email: apetroskey@maynard.k12.ma.us
Phone: 978-897-8891 x3210
Office: B110

Olivia Hull, M.A. (she/her)
School Adjustment Counselor
Email: ohull@maynard.k12.ma.us
Phone: 978-897-8891 x1417
Office: A202

Counseling Department Newsletters

Other Counseling Pages

Important Information

Program of Studies - This document includes MHS graduation requirements.
2023-24 edition
2024-25 edition

Application for Free/Reduced Lunch - Although all students receive free lunch, it is helpful for families to apply for free lunch each year. Qualifying for free/reduced lunch allows for fee waivers or reductions for the bus, activities and athletics, class dues, standardized tests, and college applications. If you think you may qualify, please apply here.

Work Permits - Work permit applications are available in the main office. Completed applications can be turned in at the main office for official work permits.

Official Transcripts for Alumni - Official transcripts can be requested at the main office, by calling 978-897-8891, or by emailing Gail Lucas at glucas@maynard.k12.ma.us.

SCHOOL COUNSELING

IN-SCHOOL EVENTS

Understanding Financial Aid & Paying for College

Counselors went into senior project classes to discuss different types of financial aid, show students how to calculate federal loan payments after college, and compare sample financial aid award letters. The full presentation can be found here.

Junior Post-Secondary Planning

Counselors went into junior history and science classes to talk through the post-secondary planning process and college application process. Part 1 can be found here and Part 2 can be found here, both with embedded links.

2024-25 Scheduling

School counselors went into English classes to have 9th, 10th, and 11th graders choose electives for next year in early February. Students can see their course recommendations for core classes through Aspen and which electives they chose those days.

Counselors went to Fowler School on Wednesday, April 3 for current 8th graders to choose their electives for next year. Families can learn more about what we discussed in this newsletter. The portal will be open for 8th graders to make changes to their selections through Monday. Instructions can be found at the end of this presentation.

The 24-25 program of studies is available here.

OTHER EVENTS

NEACAC Spring College Fairs

Every spring the New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC) holds college fairs at local colleges in the area. The closest fairs are:

-Wednesday, May 29, 5:30-7:30pm @ Assumption College, Worcester, MA
-Thursday, May 30th, 9-11am and 12-1pm @ Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

For the full listing and more details, please check out the NEACAC website.

POST-SECONDARY PLANNING

Seniors: please make sure you are completing the transcript release form if you need us to submit a transcript for a scholarship application.

Check the financial aid information below for support as you receive your packages.

On a waitlist? Here's some helpful information.

Juniors and Parents/caregivers of Juniors: In late March, school counselors presented to families and students in the class of 2025. You can view the slides presented to families here and a recording of the full presentation is available here. Please also feel free to refer to the Postsecondary Planning Timeline and Resources page for more information.

MEFA Webinar: Admissões em faculdades (em português) - 16 de maio

Este webinar, na quinta-feira, 16 de maio, às 18h30, cobrirá todos os componentes da inscrição na faculdade, explicará as tendências recentes nas admissões e compartilhará recursos gratuitos que as famílias podem usar durante todo o processo de inscrição. Todo o webinar será apresentado em português. Para se cadastrar, clique aqui.

Admissions 101 from Bentley University

Bentley University has an Admission 101: Guiding you through the College Admission Process series with blog posts about tips for visiting colleges, college essay writing, making the most of college fairs, and more.

Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which all colleges require for financial aid (and sometimes merit aid, as well) is finally available!

Step 1 is to create your FSA ID (username and password) here. You should complete this at least a week ahead of starting the FAFSA.
Step 2 is to complete the FAFSA here.

MEFA has created a checklist for what you need and the steps to complete the FAFSA. That document can be found here.

MEFA Financial Aid Information

uAspire Workshops

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education along with uAspire have partnered to provide free FAFSA support.

Summer Steps: uAspire and DESE will hold a webinar on Tuesday, May 21 from 5-6pm about the timeline for high school students in the months before entering college. Topics will include understanding and paying the college bill, applying for outside scholarships or additional loans, and other financial aid steps. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Please register online.

Students with 504s or IEPs

The process to receive accommodations at college is not the same as in high school. Students need to disclose their disability and request accommodations through the office of disability services (sometimes also called accessibility services). For more information about the transition to college with a disability, check out these resources.

TESTING

Testing information has been moved to the post-secondary planning website.

RESOURCES

Mental Health/Crisis Hotlines

  • Advocates 24/7 Mobile Crisis Line: 800-540-5806

  • MA Behavioral Health Help Line: 833-773-2445

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

  • Crisis Text Line: Text ACT to 741741

  • theTrevorProject.org 1-866-488-7386

  • Trans Lifeline 1-877-565-8860

Community and Mental Health Resources (Webpage)

Mental Health Resources List (Google Doc)