MHS Counseling Department
Meredith Bagnell (A-D) - meredith.bagnell@fcps.org 240-236-7404 Dana Brashear (E-K) - dana.brashear@fcps.org 240-236-7405 Erin Phelps (L-Rod) - erin.phelps@fcps.org 240-236-7402 Jacqueline Bassler (Roe-Z) - jacqueline.bassler@fcps.org 240-236-7436 Niki Dillard (Registrar) - niki.dillard@fcps.org 240-236-7401 Jennifer Bertulaitis (Secretary) - jennifer.bertulait@fcps.org 240-236-7403 Lauren Sinay (Career Coach) - lauren.sinay@fcps.org 240-236-7460
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IMPORTANT DATES (Subject to Change)
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SENIOR INFORMATION: SCHOLARSHIPS AND MORE!
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 > Scholarship 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 me" or "Please include counselor recommendation form"). There will be a $2.00 fee (exact 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. Note that we generally do NOT submit official transcripts via email on a student's behalf. Please allow 5 business days for a transcript request.
Senior Class Advisers Lisa Boyll lisa.boyll@fcps.org 240-236-7562 Cindy Anderson Cynthia.anderson@fcps.org 240-236-7504
Graduation Day Photos We are excited to announce that we have partnered with PhotoDay to give parents the ease and convenience they expect on Picture Day. Graduation photos will be available for parents to view and order using a QR code shared by Lifetouch.
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OTHER INFORMATION
ASYNCHRONOUS DAY OF INSTRUCTION FOR MHS STUDENTS GRADES 9-11 Tuesday, May 21 Middletown High School will celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2024 on Tuesday, May 21 at Mount St. Mary's University. As a result, all MHS staff will be present at this ceremony, and the school building will be closed to students in Grades 9-11. On this day, all students in Grades 9-11 will participate in an asynchronous day of instruction from home.
Prior to this asynchronous day of instruction on May 21, teachers will:
On May 21, the asynchronous day of instruction:
High School Meals Available For Purchase on Graduation Day High school students don’t have to miss school meals on graduation day! Graduation day is a virtual learning day for all high school students, but meals will be available for purchase on the day of graduation. The menu will be limited and is available online at www.fcpsnutrition.com. All high schools will have breakfast available from 7 AM - 8 AM. and lunch available from 11 AM - 12:30 PM. The meals cannot be taken home; students must eat them at their high school. Students who want breakfast and/or lunch must come through the serving line and enter their student ID number to get meals. Meals will be accounted for based on a student’s meal benefits. If a student receives free or reduced-price meals, they will get their breakfast and lunch for free. Students who are not eligible for free or reduced-price meals will pay for their meals as usual (exceptions are Frederick High and Governor Thomas Johnson High where all students get free breakfast under the Maryland Meals for Achievement program but may have to pay for lunch depending on eligibility).
2024 VIRTUAL SUMMER SESSIONS Pre-Registration Closes Friday, June 7, 2024
Frederick County Virtual School (FCVS) provides online courses for high school credit through two summer session programs.
Deadline to pre-register: Completed forms must be turned in to your school counselor by 3 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024. Enrollment is limited. Submissions are processed on a first come, first served basis. Several classes are full; check with your counselor.
For more information, go here.
JUNIORS: COMMON APPLICATION PROMPTS ARE AVAILABLE While some schools are beginning discussions with juniors and transfer students about college options, it's important to clarify that this doesn't mean students need to start writing their essays right away. By releasing the prompts early, Common App hopes to give students ample time for reflection and brainstorming. Feel free to use our Common App Ready essay writing resource, available in both English and Spanish.
For students who wish to start exploring the application process, creating a Common App account before August 1 ensures that all their responses, including their personal essays, will be retained through account rollover.
FCPS STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT The following links are resources to help students understand their rights, what is expected of them and how the Grade Point Average system works. See the Student Code of Conduct here: English Version Spanish Version
CAREER, INTERNSHIP, WORK-BASED LEARNING, EDUCATIONAL, VOLUNTEER AND OTHER NON-FCPS OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER COACH INFORMATION
To find out information about what Middletown's Career Coach, Lauren Sinay, has planned, please go to her link:
MHS Career Coach
WORK-BASED LEARNING (WBL) WEBSITE Check out the WBL website, below, for the latest news, including employment opportunities for MHS students: WBL Website
Internship Opportunity: Structural Systems
************************************************************************************************************************** VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES In Frederick County, there is a robust nonprofit and charity environment alongside government services to bring care and comfort to people and animals in need, many of whom are food insecure or lacking shelter. And beyond basic needs, they work to provide the opportunity for a joyful and festive holiday occasion, one that can bring the spirit of the season and its inherent goodwill to others in their time of need. Click Here For Frederick County Volunteering
Volunteer Hours: Please Complete Form
Click HERE for Volunteer Hours Form. Frederick Keys Volunteer Opportunity
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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
************************************************************************************************************************** MHS STUDENTS: ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A JOB? There are many local businesses who are looking for students to hire this summer and next year. They are also looking for students to Intern. If you are interested, please check out our website. Or stop by and see Mrs. Gibson or Mr. Baker.
TUTORING INFORMATION
PEAR DECK TUTOR (FORMERLY TutorMe) As of July 1, 2024 Pear Deck Tutor (formerly TutorMe) will not be available for FCPS students. This program was paid for by ARP ESSER grant funds that come to an end August 31, 2024.
The Frederick County Library has an online tutoring platform called Brainfuse HelpNow. This service can be used with a Frederick County Public Library Card Number. HelpNow is a resource designed for K-12 students and beyond. Live tutoring is available in English and Spanish from 2:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. to provide homework help for core subjects, including mathematics, science, and English language arts. Practice long division, improve reading comprehension, and learn other key skills. Practice for standardized tests. Students may submit papers to HelpNow’s Writing Lab for expert assistance and feedback, or collaborate with peers in virtual study spaces. More information is available at the FCPL website HERE and in the section below.
MHS-BASED TUTORING
Algebra 1, Geometry and MCAP Review Tutoring Schedule Tuesdays and Thursdays Students currently enrolled in Algebra 1, reviewing for the Algebra 1 MCAP or in Geometry can attend in order to receive individualized tutoring. Students are not required to sign up for tutoring ahead of time.
English Tutoring Schedule Mondays and Thursdays Dr. Flagg will have after school English tutoring in Room 517 on Mondays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30. All students who need help with their English classes for general homework assistance or who want to prepare for the MCAP are invited to attend. Advance sign up by sending a Schoology message to Dr. Flagg or dropping by during KQ (Room 517) is appreciated but not required.
Writing Workshop Tutoring Opportunities Drop in and consult with Ms. Loughry for some extra assistance with any writing assignment. All students are welcome; no appointment necessary! Please report to Room 507 from 2:20 PM - 3:05 PM on the following dates:
FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES Brainfuse HelpNow HelpNow is a resource designed for K-12 students and beyond. Live tutoring is available in English and Spanish from 2 p.m. - 11 p.m. to provide homework help for core subjects, including mathematics, science, and English language arts. Practice long division, improve reading comprehension, and learn other key skills. Practice for standardized tests. Students may submit papers to HelpNow’s Writing Lab for expert assistance and feedback, or collaborate with peers in virtual study spaces.
FCPL Brainfuse HelpNow
MHS ATTENDANCE: TARDY ARRIVALS POLICY Late to School means the student is not IN THE STUDENT"S FIRST BLOCK OF THE SCHOOL DAY by the time the bell rings. Sleeping in and missing the bus are among several reasons that do not excuse late arrivals. Attendance excusals should be emailed to mhs.attendance@fcps.org.
2023-2024 SAT TEST DATES AND REGISTRATION DEADLINES
All SAT testing dates listed above are Saturdays. Late registration incurs a late fee. Learn more, register and get free practice at College Board.
**These tests are digital. Students taking the digital SAT who need to borrow a device from College Board will need to register and request their device earlier than the registration deadline - at least 30 days before test day.
CEEB/ETS High School Code: 210755
2023-2024 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.
Note that there is a photo upload requirement to the ACT - deadline is approximately 8 days prior to the test date. CEEB/ETS High School Code: 210755
CITIZENSHIP SERVICES CLASSES OFFERED The Asian American Center of Frederick is offering citizenship classes, English classes and help applying for citizenship. For English, click here For Spanish, click here
SUPPORT SERVICES:
FLU VACCINATIONS AVAILABLE FOR FREE TO ALL FAMILIES The Frederick County Health Department encourages all Frederick County residents to get an influenza vaccination this season. Flu vaccine is readily available in our community, and the health department will continue to prioritize children who are uninsured or who do not have a medical home. The Health Department will be offering flu vaccinations at no cost to children 6 months through 18 years of age who do not have health insurance, have health insurance that does not cover the cost of immunizations or who are unable to get vaccinated by their healthcare provider.
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. 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).
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Marylanders who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis have a new way to get immediate help. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988. Learn more at 988.maryland.gov.
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. Not My Kid: Our dynamic team offers trauma-informed prevention programs using best-practice strategies including:
• The IMBR model focuses on Information, Motivation, Behavior skills, and Resources. • A peer-to-peer model with an emphasis on how to make healthy choices rather than on scare tactics. • The parent-child relationship is an important focus to address risk and protective factors. • A strength-based approach with caring adults, family support, and access to care. https://notmykid.org/
Parent CRAFT: Free Resource Family & Youth Interventions For Substance Abuse Parent CRAFT is a self-paced online video course that teaches parents, caregivers, and concerned others solution-focused, practical skills and techniques needed to meet the risks of substance use. Highly engaging online video segments include structured suggestions for practicing skills that are not only applicable to families with substance- involved youth but also relevant to anyone raising an adolescent. Focus areas include effective communication, positive reinforcement, natural consequences, strategies to support youth accepting treatment. See link, below, to access resources:
Mental Health Association
MANDATORY 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
LEARNER'S PERMIT VERIFICATION FORM Is your student applying for an MVA learner's permit? Students applying are required to have a Verification of Identity and/or School Attendance form completed by the school.
MVA Verification of Identity/School Attendance Form
WORK PERMITS Directions for minors (ages 14-17) wishing to get a work permit. The application is completed online. Work Permit Information
REGISTRAR INFORMATION: NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT, CHANGE OF ADDRESS, STUDENT WITHDRAWAL
NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: The following links will provide students and parents, new to Middletown High School, with the steps and required documents needed for enrollment.
Please contact the Registrar, Niki Dillard at niki.dillard@fcps.org or 240.236.7401 if you have any questions.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you move, please notify the Registrar immediately and submit an updated proof of residency: Utility bill - Gas, Water, Electric or Cable
When submitting a utility bill, the bill must contain: current date, name of guardian and address
If the parent and child live with someone else, the owner/lessee of the home needs to provide a proof of their residence (Utility Bill), and parent/guardian must complete the FCPS Parent Residency Affidavit (Multi-Family Disclosure Form and have it notarized, stating that the child resides at that address
You may scan and email the updated proof of residency to niki.dillard@fcps.org or drop it off in our counseling office.
WITHDRAWING FROM 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, 240-236-7405 Last Names L-Rod: Erin Phelps, 240-236-7402 Last Names Roe-Z: Jacqueline Bassler, 240-236-7436
Registrar: Niki Dillard: 240-236-7401 Counseling Secretary: Jennifer Bertulaitis, 240-236-7403 Career Coach: Lauren Sinay, 240-236-7460
Fax: 240-236-7580 Visit the MHS School Counseling Page
Middletown High School 200 Schoolhouse Drive Middletown, MD 21769 Phone: 240-236-7400 Fax: 240-236-7450
MHS Website: Principal: Bernard.Quesada@fcps.org http://edu.fcps.org/mhs/
FCPS Website Assistant Principals: http://www.fcps.org Eric Schwarzenegger@fcps.org Stephanie.Bittner@fcps.org Andreanne.Ivey@fcps.org