MHS School Counseling Newsletter
Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Edition
Scheduling Meeting with 8th Graders
MHS School counselors will be going into 8th grade classrooms on Wednesday, April 3 to share the info below with students and for students to choose their top two elective options for their 9th grade year. If you have any questions about scheduling or the info below, please reach out to Cory Nagel, 8th grade school counselor.
Course Information
MHS Graduation Requirements
Specific requirements are as follows:
English - 20 credits (4 years)
Math - 20 credits (4 years)
Science - 15 credits (3 years)
Social Studies - 15 credits (3 years, at least one year of US history)
World Language - 10 credits (2 years of the same language)
Fine Arts - 3+ credits (1 year)
PE - 3.75+ credits (PE 9 and 10, more may be required)
Senior Project - 5 credits (1 year)
Students are required to earn 110 credits
Students must pass the ELA, Math, and Science MCAS tests
Placement in Classes
These decisions are based on current class placement, as well as skills such as:
- Critical thinking
- Reading comprehension
- Writing
- Student success skills - self-advocacy, getting things in on time, participation
- Current grades
If you have questions about your student's recommendation for core classes, please reach out to their current 8th grade teacher for that subject or to Cory Nagel, 8th grade school counselor.
Typical 9th Grade Classes
- English - Writing and Literature I Honors or CP
- Math - Algebra I (CP only) or Geometry Honors or CP
- Science - Introductory Physics (CP only)
- Social Studies - Early American History Honors or CP
- World Language - Spanish I CP, Spanish II CP, Spanish IV Honors (for Spanish Immersion students) or French I CP or French II CP
- Freshman Rotation - PE, Health, Academic Literacy, Introduction to Capstone
- Elective - Concert Band, Communications, Business, Computer Science, Studio Art
- Some students may also have Study Skills and/or ESOL
Elective Options
App Development/Java Programming I
Communications 1
Concert Band
Introduction to Business/Introduction to Marketing
Studio Art 1 - Methods
- Concert Chorus offered after school three times a week and can be chosen in addition to another elective. Students in chorus can still participate in sports and other after school activities!
Program of Studies
The full descriptions of all classes can be found in the 2024-2025 Program of Studies.
High School Pathways
Chapter 74 Program in Radio and TV Broadcasting
Skills learned through the program include video production and editing, podcasting, content creation, and public speaking WAVM radio and tv station run by students at MHS Program requires some specific coursework, a 25-hour internship, and participation in taping WAVM events each month These skills benefit students in any field of study
Global Scholars
Academic Requirements: Study 4 years of language, explore global connections in other coursework
Cross-cultural: Travel or host exchange student
Service: 30 hours of service
Extra-curricular: club activities, guest speakers, community events
Computer Science Innovation Pathway
A new Computer Science Innovation Pathway is available for students who are interested in computers.
- Students will need to take at least 3 computer science classes in grades 9-11
- There are opportunities for college credit with AP classes
- There is a possibility for certification in Game Development
- You can intern with a company that will help you to be well prepared for a career in software development
Seal of Biliteracy
Insignia is attached to the high school diploma and is identified on student transcripts Proficiency in languages other than English is determined by a state approved assessment in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the additional language Can be a first language or a language the student has learned in school Students can receive the Seal for more than one language
MHS School Counseling Department
Amy Petroskey (she/her)
Ms. Petroskey is a school counselor at MHS. Her caseload includes students with last names in the first half of the alphabet.
Nicole Fernald (she/her)
Ms. Fernald is a school counselor at MHS. Her caseload includes students with last names in the second half of the alphabet.
Dana MacPhee (she/her)
Ms. MacPhee is a school counselor and school adjustment counselor. Her caseload includes students with last names throughout the alphabet.
Amy Petroskey, apetroskey@maynard.k12.ma.us (978) 897-8891 ext. 3210
Nicole Fernald, nfernald@maynard.k12.ma.us (978) 897-8891 ext. 3209
Dana MacPhee, dmacphee@maynard.k12.ma.us (978) 897-8891 ext. 3105
Please also visit our MHS School Counseling website!