Happy New Year!
The MHS school counselors hope you all had a fun and relaxing winter break! We are excited for 2024 and all of the opportunities it will bring. It’s hard to believe we are almost half-way through this school year. Take advantage of the remaining weeks of the quarter and semester to really finish strong!
Introducing...Ms. O'Brien (Ms. Wilkey's sub!)
My name is Ms. O'Brien, and I am Mrs. Wilkey's substitute in the counseling department (last names K-Q). I am so excited to be here and get to know the students and staff at MHS! Most recently, I was a school counselor at Rochester Middle School. I also worked at Winnacunnet High School as a school counselor prior to that. I grew up in New Hampshire and have lived there my whole life, but I am thrilled to be working in Maine (I would love recommendations for places to visit in the area if you have any!). Some things I am passionate about include my family, my sweet kitty (Rue), music, and spending time at the lake or ocean when possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me (kelly.obrien@rsu35.org)! I am in D201, and I look forward to getting to know you all and seeing all that Marshwood has to offer!
Upcoming Dates & Events
- Monday, January 1st: New Year's Day, No School
- Monday, January 15th: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, No School
- Tuesday, January 16th - Friday January 19th: Midyear Exams (see schedule below)
- Wednesday, January 31st: SRTC presentation for all sophomores in auditorium, 10:00-11:00 AM
Midterm Exam Week
This year, exams will take place during the week of January 16-19th. See the schedule and important information below!
Exam week can be a time of stress and anxiety for many. It's important to focus on ways to balance yourself in preparation for this increase in academics. Here's some tips:
- Unplug from social media
- Focus on time management
- Sleep well
- Make time for exercise
- Practice breathing exercises
- Talk to someone
Mindful Midterm Stress Relief
If you are feeling the weight of midterm exams on your shoulders, please stop by Ms. Leboeuf's office during the open campus period (10:00-10:50 or 11:00-11:50) to do some stress relief activities! See the form below to sign up, and the flyer below for activity options.
SRTC Spotlight!
Congratulations to Emily Young (Health Occupations), Brighton Halverson (Engineering & Architectural Design), and JP Giroux (Engineering & Architectural Design) for being named Q1 Students of the Month at their Sanford Career Tech programs!
Career Center
The Career Center is a hub with helpful programming and information for all grade levels - drop-in sessions, college admissions visits, advisory presentations, and more! Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities during second semester.
Important Financial Aid Information from FAME!
The FAFSA form is available to students and families as of December 31st! This year’s FAFSA delay likely has you eager to file as soon as possible. Given the significant changes to the FAFSA and the move to a new platform, FAME recommends waiting to file the FAFSA until a week or so after it’s been released. Another reason not to feel pressured to file immediately is that there will also be a delay in the processing and sending of FAFSA files to schools. Schools won’t start receiving FAFSA records until late January.
In the meantime, get ready to file by creating any needed Federal Student Aid accounts (FSA ID). For more information on which parents need a Federal Student Aid account, check out the infographic below!
FAME is available to support you through this process and will begin holding both in-person and virtual FAFSA Help Sessions in mid-January. For additional information and tips on filling out the 2024-2025 FAFSA and for a list of upcoming FAFSA Help Sessions, click the button below!
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Hiring Events!
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is holding monthly hiring events, and attending is a great opportunity for any senior looking to enter the trades after high school. See the flyer below for more information!
Seniors
We are here to help you with your postsecondary plans! All seniors should schedule their senior meeting at least one month prior to their earliest deadline. If you are a student with an earliest college deadline of February 1st, use your counselor's YouCanBookMe link or send them an email to schedule your senior meeting!
Future Plans
As you hear back from colleges you have been accepted to, please let your school counselor know! If you have other plans for after high school, we would love to share those as well! Please use the form below let us know (note: you can fill this out more than once, so every time you get an acceptance- be sure to share it with us!)
Scholarship Opportunities
We have a brand new scholarship website this year full of local, state, and national scholarships organized by deadline, in addition to helpful scholarship search tools. Click the button below to access the MHS Scholarships site!
This month's scholarship highlight is the Mitchell Scholarship! The Mitchell Scholarship is officially open as of January 1st, 2024. This scholarship program awards $10,000 to one Marshwood High School student, paid in four installments of $2,500 over the course of the student's postsecondary education. Requirements include: Maine residency, intent to attend a 2- or 4-year degree program either in Maine or out-of-state, demonstrated academic achievement, community impact, and financial need. The scholarship deadline is April 1st, 2024.
Once Scholars are selected, the Mitchell Institute helps them navigate college and the world beyond through personal and professional supports. In addition to offering the financial support of the scholarship, the Mitchell Institute offers a wide array of personal, academic and professional support programs, as well as a network of more than 3,600 Mitchell Scholars, Alumni, and partners – all of which amounts to much more than a check! Email info@mitchellinstitute.org, call (207) 773-7770, or click the button below for more information and to access the scholarship application!
Gap Year Opportunity: City Year!
Are you thinking about taking a gap year next year? Are you passionate about volunteering and/or considering a career in education? City Year may be right for you! Make your gap year a fulfilling experience by becoming a Student Success Coach and supporting students in systemically under-resources schools across the United States! Check out the video below to hear more about the Student Success Coach role.
The benefits of being an Americorps City Year member include:
- Earning a $7,400 scholarship
- Earning a $890 bi-weekly stipend and 100% free health, vision, & dental insurance
- Discovering your interests and values
- Developing personal & professional skills such as teamwork & collaboration
- Making lifelong friends through City Year's team-based service model
- Exploring a new city and living independently
- Improving your resume
- Gaining access to 100+ university partnerships
- Joining thousands of alumni to access career opportunities
If this opportunity interests you, please reach out to your school counselor and we will get you connected with a City Year rep!
Free Community College!
Did you know graduating seniors can access free community college next year? Check out the infographic below from YCCC for more information! Keep in mind that free community college isn't just for YCCC, but any community college in Maine (Central Maine Community College, Eastern Maine Community College, Kennebec Valley Community College, Northern Maine Community College, Southern Maine Community College, Washington County Community College). If you are interested in this opportunity, schedule your senior meeting with your school counselor!
Juniors
Advisory Presentation
Junior advisories attended a career center presentation last month about career pathways and logged into SCOIR in advisory. Click the button below to view the presentation.
A letter was sent home to junior parents and guardians highlighting the exciting opportunities that are coming up for the junior class! Click the link below to read the letter.
Save the Date: SAT Test Day!
The SAT will be administered at MHS to any interested junior on Tuesday, March 12th at 7:30 AM. Stay tuned for a Google form that you must respond to if you want to participate!
Juniors & Sophomores: Pre-College Opportunities!
Although it may be cold and gray outside, it's not too early to start thinking about your summer plans! Many schools across New England offer immersive pre-college programs that give you the chance to see what college life is like and explore areas of interest! Colleges begin to open their pre-college applications to students this month. Click the buttons below to see what opportunities are out there, and reach out to your school counselor if you have any questions!
Sophomores
Important Information for Sophomore Students & Families!
A link was emailed to all students and families in December chock full of information for the sophomore class, including the presentation that was given to all sophomore advisories, and introduction to Sanford & Dover Career Tech programs, and important upcoming dates & deadlines. Click the button below to access the webpage!
More Dover CTE Opportunities!
We are happy to announce that Marshwood High School will be expanding our partnership with Dover's Career Technical Education programs. In addition to their Animal Science program, sophomores will be able to apply to the following two-year programs:
Biomedical Sciences: Great for those considering a career in Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Research, and Lab Tech. Successful completion will include First Aid/CPR Certifications as well as 4 credits from Great Bay Community College!
Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC): Great for those considering a military pathway, but also for those looking for a leadership experience as they are expected to participate in a number of extra-curricular community service projects, events, drill, and additional competitions. Successful completers of the 2-year program can enter into the E-2 pay grade for the Navy following high school!
Sports Medicine: Great for those considering career pathways in Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, Physical Education, and Strength & Conditioning. Successful completion will include CPR training and students will be certified as Personal Trainers (CPT) through the National Academy of Sports Medicine!
Freshmen
Freshman Seminar Presentation
Counselors presented in Freshman Seminar classes the first week of December about the school counselor's role, graduation requirements, future planning, and more! Click the button below to view the presentation.
Information for all grades
Infinite Campus Notification Settings
Did you know that you can edit your settings in Infinite Campus to control the frequency and types of notifications you receive on behalf of your student? Follow the instructions below to adjust your notification settings:
1. After you log into your parent account, click the "User Menu" on the top right
2. Click "Settings," then "Notification Settings"
3. From there you should be able to indicate which notifications you'd like to receive or not receive.
Click the button below to learn more about settings and information within Infinite Campus!
Academic Support
Introducing...Mr. Pisano (Interventionist)!
Mr. Pisano is new to MHS this year as our Academic Interventionist! He is a resource for students who need support with academic organization, makeup work, or specific academic content support. He also runs the peer tutoring program! Prior to his role at Marshwood, Mr. Pisano was a math teacher, and he is passionate about helping students build confidence in their math skills. Mr. Pisano loves spending time outdoors, and he lives in South Berwick with his wife and son. You can find Mr. Pisano (and peer tutoring support!) in F106, and you can email him at damian.pisano@rsu35.org.
Community Service
Don't forget, 50 hours of community service is part of your graduation requirements. Setting a goal of completing 10 to 15 hours each year of high school will help to set you up for achieving this requirement in no time! Community Service forms are located in the D-Pod Hub, or can be printed from the MHS School Counseling Website (located within the "Information for ALL Grades" tab).
Your 50 hours need to be completed by May 1st of your senior year. To help, we've compiled a document filled with Community Service Opportunities. This document is regularly updated so be sure to check back often!
Community Resources
Family Resource: Gather Mobile Market
Families who need access to fresh, healthy food can access the Gather Mobile Market in the parking lot of the Wentworth Douglass Hospital's Spinelli Building (15 Old Rollinsford Rd., Dover, NH). Gather will be at this location every other Monday from 12 pm to 2 pm. There are no obligations or requirements to access the food pantry. Click the button below to see where the Gather Mobile Market will be each month!
Family Resource: Footprints Food Pantry
Footprints Food Pantry (31 Old Post Rd. in Kittery) exists to reduce the impact of hunger in the community, share resources, and support the lives of those who have joined the Footprints community. They are open for food distribution on Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 PM, Wednesdays 9:30 AM-12:30 PM, and Saturdays from 9-10 AM. They also deliver to families who cannot access the food pantry in person. Please call (207) 439-4673 or access their website below for more information.
MHS Community Closet
The Marshwood High School Community Closet exists to provide new and gently used clothing, hygiene supplies, food, shoes, and other daily essentials at no cost to students in need and their families. The Community Closet empowers our school community to nurture compassion through service, and to foster awareness of our diverse population. The Marshwood Community Closet was spearheaded by the Interact Club, and is further supported by our Counseling department, Nurse, Administration, and community donors.
If you or someone you know would like to access the Community Closet, please reach out to your school counselor and/or the Nurse. This process is discrete and you can have regular access to these materials.
If you would like to donate to the MHS Community Closet, please email Emily Rumble, Interact Club advisor, at emily.rumble@rsu35 to set up a time to drop off materials. The closet is currently FULL of women's clothing, but they are in need of the following items:
- Hangers
- Men's dress clothes (ties, button ups, dress pants)
- Hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, etc. (Winter gear)
- Shoes (especially sneakers)
- Non-perishables
- School supplies (pencils, backpacks, pens, etc.)
Get Involved!
Did you know that there are over 48 Clubs and Activities to choose from at MHS? Take the opportunity to try something new and get involved!
Contact your Counselor
Did you know the MHS School Counseling website is JAM PACKED full of helpful information? Be sure to check it out and bookmark it for easy access! On the site you'll also find the links to email or book an appointment with your school counselor. We look forward to meeting with you!