MHS Counselors
Meredith Bagnell (A-D) - meredith.bagnell@fcps.org 240-236-7404 Dana Brashear (E-K) - dana.brashear@fcps.org 240-236-7436 Erin Phelps (L-Rod) - erin.phelps@fcps.org 240-236-7402 Paula Langley (Roe-Z) - paula.langley@fcps.org 240-236-7405
IMPORTANT DATES
Date
Event
Time
Dates and times are subject to change
FCPS REQUIRES UNIVERSAL MASKING FCPS currently requires all students and staff to wear face coverings inside our schools. There will be no requirement to wear face coverings outdoors; however, it is strongly recommended, particularly for those who are unvaccinated. The requirement to wear face coverings on school buses continues to be in effect.
INFORMATION FOR SENIORS
UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS
Seniors and juniors should use their Naviance Account (see link under scholarships below) to sign up for these and other visits and determine the location of the visit, which will usually be the Main Conference Room or the Auditorium during Knights Quest. All sign-ups close 12 hours prior to the visit time. Please see Mrs. Bertulaitis in Counseling if you have questions, or if you are a sophomore interested in attending.
FINANCIAL AID: SCHOLARSHIPS, FAFSA, OTHER INFORMATION
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Check Naviance for paperwork and requirements for these and other scholarship opportunities! Applications in bold are local scholarships - for MHS students, FCPS students and/or residents of Maryland.
To Access Scholarships On Naviance, use the following Tabs: Colleges Tab > Scholarships and Money > cholarship List
Go to Naviance to access this information.
To Request Official Transcripts for Scholarships, Athletics or Other Personal Use on Naviance, do the following after logging in:
Enter information as completely as possible. Enter special instructions in the note section, (for example, "Please email transcript to (insert email address)" or "Please include counselor recommendation form"). There will be a $2.00 fee (cash or check payable to MHS) per official transcript prepared, payable when the transcript is picked up. You will be notified when it is ready. Please allow 5 business days for a transcript request.
MYinTUITION QUICK COLLEGE ESTIMATOR Are you worried about how much college will cost your family? This online tool allows students applying to over 70 top colleges have quick and easy access to information about college affordability. This program shows the projected cost of college once financial aid is factored in, allowing for planning. Colleges include the University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins University, Harvard College, MIT, American, Boston Columbia and Bucknell Universities.
For more information and to see a full list of participating colleges, go here.
SALLIE MAE'S PAYING FOR COLLEGE RESOURCE PAGE Find webinars, videos and other resources with information about scholarships, grants, completing the FAFSA, reviewing Financial Aid offers, and student loans.
Sallie Mae
FAFSA Information and Deadlines: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. Seniors should be completing the FAFSA now to be considered for financial aid.
The FAFSA is free and should be completed each year a student is in college. Seniors should be completing the FAFSA now to be considered for financial aid.
The FAFSA is available NOW to complete for next year’s Fall 2022 enrollment.
The Maryland State Aid Deadline for the FAFSA is March 1, 2022; however, some colleges and universities have their own priority deadlines.
Here are some priority deadlines for colleges/universities that MHS students commonly attend:
FAFSA FOCUS: VIRTUAL FINANCIAL AID SEMINAR Monday, December 6, 6:00 PM
Don't know what FAFSA is? This virtual event is a great way for students and family members who have never filed the FAFSA, ever taken out federal loans or has their first child going to college. Learn more about the process and get tips for first-time filers. To register go here: Hood College Virtual FAFSA Event
ACADEMIC COMMON MARKET The Academic Common Market allows students to receive in-state tuition at schools that have majors not offered in the state of Maryland
GO TO: Academic Common Market
OTHER INFORMATION
PSAT/NMSQT SCORES AVAILABLE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 PSAT/NMSQT scores will be available to students on Tuesday, December 7. Students 13 years old and older who provided their email address on their PSAT/NMSQT answer sheets will receive an email reminder to view their October PSAT/NMSQT scores online. Please note that MHS Counselors are not able to access the scores - access is through the College Board website. To access your scores and for more information, see below:
FCC VIRTUAL DUAL ENROLLMENT OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, December 8; Thursday, January 6; Tuesday, February 8 All from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM via Google Meet
Are you interested in taking a Dual Enrollment class next year? FCC invites you to attend one of the virtual Dual Enrollment Open House events to learn about all four Dual Enrollment programs.
Register to attend one of the three virtual sessions HERE
Dual Enrollment allow students to earn college credits or industry credentials while completing their high school diploma at a fraction of the normal cost. Your goals determine which option is best for you. Representatives from both FCC and FCPS will explain the benefits and requirements for each of the following programs:
FAQs, forms, and information about our programs can be found at www.frederick.edu/de. Contact the DE Office at DualEnrollment@frederick.edu, or 301-624-2893
See Flyer Here: Dual Enrollment Open House Flyer
ATTENTION SOPHOMORES: FREDERICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE VIRTUAL EARLY COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHTS Thursday, February 17 Graduates of Early College at FCC will earn an associate degree and high school diploma simultaneously by attending FCC full-time during their junior and senior years. The Early College program was created to increase participation and completion of students from populations historically underrepresented in higher education and is open to all FCPS high school students. FCPS students will apply to Early College as sophomores. All meetings are virtual. For more information, and to register, go here: FCC Early College Night
MILITARY INFORMATION: Lunch visits: During lunch you will have an opportunity to chat and get information from different members of our military branches.
United States Navy - January 19, 2022 United States Army - January 26, 2022
CURRENT 9TH, 10TH, AND 11TH GRADE STUDENTS: Save the Date: MHS Registration Night for 2022-2023 School Year Wednesday, January 12, 6:30 PM Rising Freshman will meet in the Auditorium, and Rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade will meet in the Media Center. Snow date is Tuesday, January 18, 2022.
MHS TUTORING OPPORTUNITIES After School Tutoring See link, below, for after-school tutoring schedule. Students that are interested in attending should arrange participation with their classroom teacher. Tutoring is offered in the following areas:
After School Tutoring Schedule
MHS "Tutor Me" Online Tutoring Program
MHS students can now access a program called "Tutor Me". Tutor Me is an online tutoring program that will connect any FCPS middle or high school student to a live tutor, 24 hours a day in over 300 subjects. Log on day or night and in under 30 seconds you will be connected to one of over 10,000 verified tutors from the nation's top universities who are all experts in their field(s). Once matched, you'll enter a lesson space that features audio and video chat, screen sharing, virtual white boards and much more. The program can be used from home or school. Tutors can provide homework help, understanding concepts, writing support, and SAT prep.
Students are able to log into "Tutor Me" using the single sign-in Clever tool found on their Chromebooks. Students can even access past tutoring sessions later on if needed. Here is an Introductory Video: Tutor Me Overview. Additionally, the following support documentation and videos will help students successfully navigate and use the TutorMe platform.
This valuable new program, purchased by FCPS, will be such an instrumental tool for all our students to succeed. This program allows our students the additional help they need whenever and where ever they need it.
COUNTY WIDE HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE AND CAREER PROGRAMS Frederick County Public Schools offers many opportunities for students to explore career pathways, increase the rigor and value of their high school education, and prepare for college. These programs are open to all FCPS high school students. Some require shadowing for a day prior to applying and being accepted into the program.
For more information, see link below:
FCPS College & Career Programs
CTC SHADOWING FCPS Career and Technology Center (CTC), part of the Frederick County Public Schools system, is offering a "Shadowing" experience for prospective students. With more than 24 programs to choose from, students have the opportunity to gain college and career experience in a variety of areas. They can earn college credit as well as valuable industry certifications and licenses through a CTC program. CTC programs are taught in half-day blocks, and students attend their high school for the other half of the school day.
Shadowing will take place through February 24 Shadowing a CTC program is the first step in the application process and is open to students in grades 9-11. Interested students can request a shadow experience from the CTC website at www.careertech.net
Log In: FCPS Student User ID (do not add @my.fcps.org) & Password. Please wear closed toed shoes (ex. sneakers, boots, etc.) and long pants (ex. jeans, leggings, etc.). This is particularly important for programs such as Ag Metals, Auto Tech, Auto Body, Culinary, and any of the construction programs.
After shadowing, the application deadline is March 4, 2022.
For additional information about the Career & Technology Center, visit www.careertech.net.
CTC Promotional Screencast Link: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cr6fDtVXeB8
CTC Brochure Links: English (short version) https://flipbookpdf.net/web/site/461ed38bc8ff3e3475b15d248e21e65a60155d08FBP20560782.pdf.html English (long version) https://flipbookpdf.net/web/site/de3f8abeee6f99c0608840eb02ac1d23b9de4bd0FBP20560782.pdf.html Spanish (short version)https://flipbookpdf.net/web/site/b7d6e256fdec2b02009b2b23052316b44d495546FBP20560782.pdf.html Spanish (long version) https://flipbookpdf.net/web/site/36a0192f8ac492b68a0bc7290615b52dd737062cFBP20560782.pdf.html
MARYLAND SEAL OF BILITERACY Does your child use a language besides English at home? MHS, FCPS, and the state of Maryland would like to honor and celebrate that! The Maryland State Seal of Biliteracy is an award that recognizes a student's high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English and one or more other languages. These languages DO NOT need to be taught in school, so if you speak another language at home, you may be eligible. Maryland is one of more than 45 states that now offer the designation, and it conveys to colleges and employers that your child has a skill few others possess! Please see or email Ms. Stutzman (marcia.stutzman@fcps.org) for information on the award.
NATIONAL SCHOOL FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM Breakfast and lunch meals are FREE for ALL FCPS students for the 2021-2022 school year. Breakfast and lunch are available on days when students are in school. Please note that snacks, ice cream, and drinks (other than milk) are not free and must be purchased from the cafeteria.
Free to-go dinner and snack meals will be available daily for students to take home with them after school starting Monday, August 23, at Middletown High School in addition to some other school locations. For more information, and to see a complete list of schools, please visit https://www.fcpsnutrition.com. To-go dinner and snack meals for Saturdays and Sundays will be distributed on Fridays.
We encourage families to complete the free and reduced-price meal benefits application even though all children receive meals at no charge because the USDA provides funds that support the nutrition program based on your child’s eligibility. Eligibility for free or reduced-price meal reimbursement is based on the following annual income eligibility guidelines effective from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.
If you have previously received free and reduced-price meal benefits, you must re-apply for the 2021-22 school year.
Please go here for the income eligibility guidelines.
CREDITS, GRADE PROMOTION AND GRADUATION If you're not sure you understand how earning credits towards graduation works, watch this video! It provides a clear explanation of all you need to know. This is especially recommended for students in earlier grades - rising 9th and 10th grades, but all students and parents can benefit.
Credits, Promotion & Graduation
FREDERICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDY SKILLS & SAT TEST PREP CLASSES
The SAT test is a standardized exam you will likely encounter on your journey from high school to college. Test scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships.
Prepare for the SAT with test-specific content as well as test-taking strategies needed for satisfactory performance on the SAT. Enrollment is limited to ensure a low student-to-teacher ratio. These classes will meet on campus in an in-person environment. The cost is $149.
Click here to go to the FCC website for more information, or here for a flyer on the classes.
All SAT testing dates listed above are Saturdays. Late registration incurs a late fee. Learn more, register and get free practice at College Board.
Go here to see how to send SAT scores to colleges:
CEEB/ETS High School Code: 210755
2021 - 2022 ACT TEST DATES AND REGISTRATION DEADLINES
All ACT testing dates listed above are Saturdays. Late registration incurs a late fee. Learn more and register at ACT. CEEB/ETS High School Code: 210755
SUPPORT SERVICES:
Mental Health Resources The Maryland Department of Health released a “Student and Young Adult Resource Guide for Coping During COVID-19”. Click here to see it. It’s a handy, comprehensive guide created for secondary and college students to spotlight issues and find resources on how to help themselves and each other through the continued adjustment to pandemic-created changes. Many of the resources also support elementary students. The FCPS Mental Health Matters page can be found here. Students and family members who are experiencing difficulty may wish to contact the Frederick County Mental Health Association (MHA).
Walk-In Behavioral Health Services The Walk-in Service has resumed seeing clients in person at their office located at 226 South Jefferson Street in Frederick for those who prefer to see someone face to face. They are also continuing to offer their Virtual Walk-In platform for those who feel more comfortable with that. The MHA's call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From intervention, a caring and supporting voice at a moment of crisis, to connecting to resources and information, dial 211.
Child Protective Services (CPS): 301-600-2464 Help for physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect. Crisis Services: Dial 211 - Help when you feel really anxious or really depressed and need someone to talk with so that you can stay safe. Maryland Anonymous Tip Line: 1-833-632-7233 - Report threats or situations that put your safety, or others' safety, at risk. Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 - Help if you are thinking about suicide.
Help Finding Local Food Distribution Sites: Use the link below to search your address. A list of food distribution sites will appear including the hours of distribution.
Local Food Distribution Sites
SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION This is a reminder that all males are required by law to register for the Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Preregistration can be done at 17 years, 3 months and the registration held until the 18th birthday. Failure to register can create future issues: the inability to receive federally funded college loans and grants, to obtain federally funded training and certification programs and federal employment. To register, go to SSS.gov
WORK PERMITS Directions for minors (ages 14-17) wishing to get a work permit. The application is completed online. Work Permit Information
IS YOUR STUDENT TRANSFERRING OUT OF MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL? If your child is transferring to another school, please notify Ms. Dillard (Registrar) at Niki.Dillard@fcps.org or 240-236-7401 at least 2 full school days before their last day.
Please provide the following:
Before the student leaves on their last day at MHS, all financial obligations (including but not limited to: return or payment for Chromebook, calculators, text and library books, etc.) must be met. Once all obligated items are accounted for, the student will receive the transfer packet from Ms. Dillard to present to the new school.
Counseling Office Staff
Last Names A-D: Meredith Bagnell, 240-236-7404 Last Names E-K: Dana.Brashear, 240-236-7436 Last Names L-Rod: Erin Phelps, 240-236-7402 Last Names Roe-Z: Paula Langley, 240-236-7405
Registrar: Niki Dillard, 240-236-7401 Counseling Secretary: Jennifer Bertulaitis, 240-236-7403
Fax: 240-236-7580 Visit the MHS School Counseling Page