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
************************************************************************************************************************** **************************************************************************************************************************
IMPORTANT DATES (Subject to Change)
Date
Event
Time
Dates and times are subject to change
*********************************************************************************** ***********************************************************************************
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.
OTHER INFORMATION
CLASS OF 2025 SENIOR PORTRAIT APPOINTMENTS NOW AVAILABLE! Tuesday, June 25 Wednesday, June 26 Thursday, June 27
Don't miss this opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook! The required attire for the school's yearbook pose are traditional Tuxedos and Drapes; provided by Victor O'Neill Studios. In addition to this free yearbook session, sessions that include casual/personality portraits and Cap and Gown portraits will also be offered. Sessions will be in the MHS Auditorium. Please use the link below or QR code to choose your session type and appointment time:
Select Session Date/Time Here
COLLEGE-BOUND CLASS OF 2025 SLIDESHOW On May 22, a meeting was held during Knights Quest to discuss tasks you should focus on over the summer to prepare well for applying to college. If you missed it or need to review, please click on the link below.
Summer Tasks - Class of 2025
CLASS OF 2025: 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.
CLASS OF 2025 College "Boot Camp" and Naviance Training, MHS Media Center Monday, August 6, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Tuesday, August 13, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM These events are for students applying to 4-year colleges. Counselors will be assisting with creating a college list, college applications, recommendation "brag sheets", etc. Counselors will review the purpose of Naiance and show rising seniors how to use it to support thier college applications. Students may attend either or both sessions in full or in part to set aside time to work on college tasks and get counselor assistance if needed. Students should bring a device with them.
CLASS OF 2025 WHO ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO A SERVICE ACADEMY Nomination Information from Congressman David Trone All of the Service Academies except for the US Coast Guard Academy require a nomination to the Academy. An appointment to one of the United States Service Academies is a distinct and rare honor. Acceptance of an academy appointment involves at least a nine-year service obligation, including four years at an academy and five years of active duty service. The selection process for nominations from David Trone's office is entirely merit based and is highly competitive. Each Congressional office uses a unique selection process that is designed to meet its particular standards and needs. The information provided in the flyer is to help you expedite your application, so please review it carefully.
Trone Flyer
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND 25th ANNUAL COLLEGE ACCESS CONFERENCE Saturday, June 22 7:45 AM - 2:45 PM
The University of Maryland is hosting their 25th annual College Access Conference on Saturday, June 22, 2024! The College Access Conference offers free information and guidance to first-generation and underrepresented students and their families as they prepare to navigate the college application and admission process, but all students/families who feel they need additional support are welcome to attend.
The University of Maryland will be providing a charter bus from Urbana High School to pick up and drop off students and parent/guardians attending Terrapin STARS at College Access Conference. Registered guests can leave their vehicles parked there while attending College Access Conference.
There are a limited number of spaces available. Registration is open on a first come, first served basis. Students must have a parent or guardian present in order to participate.
Check out the flyer for more details, and the link below to register.
UMD College Access Conference Flyer
UMD CAC Registration
AP TEST SCORE INFORMATION Send AP Scores for Free Every year that students take an AP Exam, they have the option to send one score report for free to the college, university, or scholarship organization of their choice. Score reports include both this year's and past AP Exam scores, unless students choose to withhold or cancel a score. Click HERE for more information. The deadline to send scores for free is June 20, 2024.
Accessing AP Scores Scores will also be available to all students on the student AP scores website starting on Monday, July 8.
OPEN CAMPUS FCC DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM CHANGES
FREDERICK COUNTY VIRTUAL SCHOOL (FCVS) FOR 2024-2025 FCVS offers supplemental online courses for high school credit through multiple school-year programs allowing students to take additional courses while enrolled at their home school.
To pre-register, students:
FCVS School Year Programs:
Click HERE for more information and pre-registration information.
FCPS Free Summer Food Service Program Details
Beginning Monday, June 17, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services will be serving free breakfast and lunch to anyone in the community 18 years old or younger. Those over 18 who are enrolled in an educational program for people with disabilities will also be served meals.
Meals will be served Mondays through Thursdays at the following 3 schools: Lincoln Elementary: Entrance point will be the side doors located at the cafeteria. Gov. Thomas Johnson High: Entrance point will be located at the front doors of the school. Waverley Elementary: Entrance point will be located at the front doors of the school.
FCPS will serve breakfast at Lincoln Elementary and Waverley Elementary from 8:30-9 a.m. and lunch from noon-12:30 p.m.
FCPS will serve breakfast at Gov. Thomas Johnson High from 7:30- 8 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m.-noon.
Meals will not be served on June 19 and July 4. Children must be present to get a meal and the meal must be consumed at the site where the meals are served. The last day of summer meals service to the community will be Thursday, August 8.
If you have questions, please contact FCPS Food and Nutrition Services at 301-644-5061.
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
************************************************************************************************************************** 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.
***********************************************************************************
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.
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.
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
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