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

Alexandra Cox, M.Ed. (she/her)
Certified School Adjustment Counselor
Email: acox@maynard.k12.ma.us
Phone: 978-897-8891 x3219
Office: B119

Counseling Department Newsletters

Other Counseling Pages

Important Information

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

Supplemental Low-Income Data Collection Form - Although all students receive free lunch, low-income families can complete a special form to qualify 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 complete this form.
English
Español
Português

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.

Bus Information - Families must go here in order to sign up for the bus for the 24-25 school year.

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

9th Grade Mental Health Lesson and Screener

Starting the week of November 12th, 9th grade students will participate in a mental health lesson to raise awareness around adolescent mental health issues. The aims of the lesson include how to reduce stigma associated with mental health challenges, and to provide students with tools to identify how to access support for themselves or someone else.

The mental health lesson will be followed by a mental health screener for anxiety and depression which will be distributed to students November 20th and 21st, so the counseling staff is able to identify students who might need additional support and resources. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Free Parent Workshop Series

The Concord Center's Parent Workshop Series is an ongoing opportunity for parents to receive guidance and education around mental health challenges and treatment options for their children and adolescents. These workshops are offered virtually on select Wednesdays from 12-1pm, and are free of charge.

  • December 4: Validation

  • January 22: Depression 101

  • March 5: Intro to SPACE

  • April 2: Coping Ahead for Summer

  • May 21: Intro to MATCH

  • July 16: Collaborative Problem Solving

​Registration for these events can be found here.

POST-SECONDARY PLANNING

Class of 2025: 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, including SAT and ACT test dates.

As you begin to apply to colleges and scholarships, please make sure you are completing the transcript release form if you need us to submit a transcript.

College Admissions Visits to MHS

College admissions representatives are visiting the Career Center at MHS this fall. All visits are announced in the class of 2025 and class of 2026 Google Classrooms. A list of them can also be found here. (PLEASE NOTE: This list is subject to change, as colleges cancel or reschedule. The most up-to-date information will always be in Google Classroom)

These are great opportunities to ask questions, get more information, and to have some face-to-face time with someone who might be the person reading your application. Some schools also count interest as part of their application process and attending a visit like this will count.

FINANCIAL AID

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which all colleges require for financial aid (and sometimes merit aid, as well) will be available on December 1.

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

MEFA has created a handy checklist for what you need and the steps to complete the FAFSA.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts also provides resources for supporting families completing the FAFSA. Additional resources are available here and here is a list of events and one-on-one support for completing the FAFSA.

Mass State Financial Aid Programs

Other resources available to help students afford a college degree include:

MEFA Financial Aid Webinars

The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority offers a variety of free webinars for students and families regarding financial aid. See the links below for more information and to register.

MEFA is also offering multiple dates for their FAFSA Festival, which provides personalized support completing the FAFSA. See below for dates and links to register.

Bentley University: What to Expect after Applying for Aid Webinar - 12/4

Bentley University is offering a free webinar on Wednesday, December 4 from 6-7pm that focuses on the types of financial aid available to families. The free, hour-long webinar will outline what to expect after applying for financial aid. Please register here.

2025 FAFSA Days

Financial aid professionals from colleges and organizations across Massachusetts
will be ready and available to answer questions and walk families through the application process on specific dates in early 2025. Click here for more information. Click the specific dates below to register for each event. (More links will be added when they are made available)

Scholarships

It's never too early to think about applying for scholarships. The counselors have created this document with tips and links for where to find information. Bentley University has also compiled this informative list.

All scholarships that counselors hear about are posted in Google Classroom, so be sure to check there often. As of October 15, there is information about Elks Scholarships, AFL-CIO, Fidelity Scholars, Daughters of the American Revolution, and more.

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.

MENTAL HEALTH 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)