FAFSA Completion & Financial Aid Workshops/Events:

SUNY On-line workshops for FAFSA Completion & Financial Aid Sessions: Join a SUNY financial Aid workshop.  Click the link for event dates/times and to register. SUNY has a variety of upcoming on-line Financial Aid workshops and FAFSA Completion workshops that we encourage you to attend for support in completing your FAFSA and Financial Aid applications. See all upcoming SUNY FAFSA Completion Workshops; See all SUNY upcoming Financial Aid Info Sessions

CUNY Workshops for FAFSA Completion & Financial Aid:  Click the link for event dates/times and to register. CUNY has a variety of upcoming on-line Financial Aid workshops and FAFSA Completion workshops that we encourage you to attend for support in completing your FAFSA and Financial Aid applications.

HESC Events: Click the link to browse by topic for event dates/times and to register. HESC offers a wide range of virtual events that can connect students and families with the information, resources, and financial aid experts they need to help them navigate the college application and financial aid process. Please also refer to this FAFSA/TAP Completion Events and HESC Events Calendar for more information on event descriptions, dates, and registration.

HESC Text Alerts: Students and their families can stay on track for college success by signing up for HESC Texts.  You will receive reminders about important deadlines,  financial aid updates, and tips—right to your phone.   

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE MHS SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

FEBRUARY  2026

February is a pivotal point in your journey.  Many of you are receiving college admissions decisions, carefully considering your options, and beginning to envision what life after high school may hold. This is a time that calls for patience, thoughtful reflection, and trust in the process. Progress doesn’t look the same for everyone, and each step you take, whether big or small, matters. Stay focused on what feels right for you, and remember that growth often happens in moments of pause and consideration. The School Counseling Department remains committed to supporting your goals, answering questions, and helping you move forward with confidence as you prepare for what comes next.

The MHS Counseling Department has created a comprehensive program to support you in your journey toward graduation, post-secondary planning, and college and career exploration.  Please take time to explore dedicated pages on this site to support your post-secondary planning, college and career exploration, and the college application process throughout your Senior Year.  Please refer to important information, dates, reminders and next steps to keep in mind listed in our “Announcements” Section below.  Additionally,  please don’t forget to check out upcoming events in our “Upcoming Events For All” section above. 

Seniors, You got this! We want to highlight and share with you some important information, reminders,  and goals to keep in mind for the month ahead to support you in staying on track with your post-secondary goals: 

Mid-Year Transcripts Update:  Mid-year transcripts (updates with Semester 1 Courses, Quarter 1 & Quarter 2 Grades) have been submitted to colleges on your Naviance list. 

Senior Grades:   As we move further into Semester 2, it is important to stay engaged and continue putting forth your best effort in all classes. Maintain strong academic focus, consistent attendance, and positive standing in your coursework. The habits you demonstrate now matter as you work toward graduation. Stay motivated, use available support when needed, and finish the term strong while continuing to meet all graduation requirements.

Service Learning Graduation Requirement:  Engage in Service Learning activities towards meeting the MHS Service Learning Graduation Requirement (minimum 60 Hours).  Submit your Service Learning Hours  in our Digital Service Learning System in IC! 

College Applications & Deadlines:  Keep checking your College Application Portals and your emails regularly.  For students still finalizing applications, February remains a key month:

• Carefully review college-specific deadlines, including Regular Decision, rolling admissions, and priority consideration. 

• Confirm that all required materials have been received by colleges, including transcripts, test scores (if applicable), recommendations, and portfolios. 

• Continue to regularly check your email and college application portals for updates, missing documents, and admissions decisions.

Admissions Decisions & What’s Next:   

• Regular Decision Notifications typically continue to be released throughout February and into March.

• Take time to process your results, whether they bring excitement, disappointment, or mixed emotions.

• If you’ve been deferred or waitlisted:  Take a breath.  This is not a “no.” Talk with your School Counselor.  We can help you understand next steps, including letters of continued interest or alternative options.

• Remember: An admissions decision is not a reflection of your worth or potential.

• As decisions arrive, keep a record of: 

  • Admission status

  • Merit scholarships or honors program offers

  • Financial aid details (when available)

  • Attend Colleges Admitted Student Open Houses

  • Some colleges may open housing applications shortly after acceptance-early submission may matter!

• Please update Naviance with admissions decisions!

• Enrollment Deposits: Most colleges require a deposit by MAY 1, but February is a good time to begin comparing offers and asking questions.

Financial Aid & Scholarships:

• Make sure your FAFSA, NYS TAP, (and CSS Profile, if required) has been submitted and reviewed for accuracy. Financial aid is a critical part of your college decision.

• Review your colleges’ financial aid page for priority deadlines and required documents to apply for financial aid opportunities at the college.

• Review financial aid portals and respond promptly to any requests for additional information. 

• Scholarships: Continue searching and applying for Local, State, and National scholarships.  February is a prime month for local and national scholarship deadlines. 

• MHS Class of 2026 Senior Awards & Scholarships! Time to Apply! 

• Check Naviance & School Google Classroom Postings.

Exploring all Post-Secondary Pathways:  College is just one of many meaningful paths. February is also a great time to:

• Explore career training programs, trade or technical schools., apprenticeships, military options, gap year programs, or direct workforce opportunities.

• Explore Community College Schools

• Review acceptance timeline and next steps for any non-college programs you have applied to. 

• There is no “one” pathway and the “right” choice is the one that fits your goals, values and circumstances. Schedule time with your School Counselor to discuss options that best align with your goals, interests, and values.

Support Matters! Check In with Us:  This process can feel exciting, overwhelming, or both. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or anxious, please reach out.  No question is too small. Your School counselor is here to:

• Review admissions offers

• Talk through decisions and next steps

• Help you reset if plans change

A Final Word of Encouragement:  You’ve worked hard to get here, and February is not about having everything figured out. It’s about staying engaged, informed, and kind to yourself. Trust that your path is unfolding, even if it doesn’t look exactly like you imagine. 

We are incredibly proud of you and honored to support you during this important time. You’ve got this and we’ve got you! Lean on your support system: family, friends, teachers, and your School Counselor. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support or reassurance. And finally, stay warm in this frigid February weather! 

Warm regards, 

MHS School Counseling Department

April J. Ljumić,  Administrator for School Counseling 

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE MHS SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

FEBRUARY 2026

Dear Class of 2027 Juniors,  Students,  Parents and Guardians:

February marks an important checkpoint in your  junior year. The High School Counseling Department would like to share key reminders and focus areas to help you stay on track with your postsecondary planning. Junior year is a pivotal time for exploration, preparation, and decision-making, and the steps taken now will help shape college, career training, or military options after graduation. Staying engaged and intentional during this year lays a strong foundation for a confident and successful senior year.  As a reminder, Junior year is the last full year of courses and final grades that will appear on transcripts that go out with your college applications Senior Year. It is important to stay focused on your academic success while also maintaining your involvement in extracurricular activities. 

The MHS Counseling Department has created a comprehensive program to support you in your journey toward graduation, post-secondary planning, and college and career exploration.  Please take time to explore dedicated pages on this site to support your post-secondary planning, college and career exploration, and the college application process throughout your Junior and Senior Year.  Please refer to important information, dates, reminders and next steps to keep in mind listed in our “Announcements” Section below.  Additionally,  please don’t forget to check out upcoming events in our “Upcoming Events For All” section above. 

Juniors, You got this! We want to highlight and share with you some important information, reminders, and goals to keep in mind for the month ahead to support you in staying on track with your post-secondary goals: 

Schedule Your Junior Conference:  We strongly encourage all juniors to schedule a Junior Conference with your School Counselor. This meeting is an essential opportunity to review academic progress, discuss postsecondary goals, and develop a personalized plan for the college process,  senior year and beyond. If you have not yet scheduled your conference, please contact the School Counseling Department , we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible. 

Engage in College & Career Search & Naviance:  Actively use Naviance to explore colleges,  careers, military options, technical/trade schools,  and postsecondary options.  This includes researching schools, comparing academic profiles,  identifying potential “good-fit” colleges (thinking about factors such as academic programs, campus size, location, and admissions criteria), reflecting on interests, and beginning to build a balanced list of potential options. Regular engagement with Naviance now will support making the senior-year application process more manageable. Naviance will continue to be an essential tool throughout the rest of your  junior and senior year.  

Plan College Visits & Tours:  Visiting colleges, whether virtually or in person, is an essential part of the college search process. Campus tours  and college visits provide valuable insight into whether a school feels like the right fit. It will help you to learn more about campus culture, academic programs, and overall fit. Explore opportunities to visit campuses.  We encourage you to register for campus tours and schedule information sessions  when possible. Document impressions to support thoughtful decision-making.  

Maintain  a Strong Focus on Academics:  Junior Year grades are critically important. Junior year grades are the final full year of your academic performance reviewed by colleges during the application process, making this year especially important.  Your grade point average will be calculated at the end of your junior year which includes grades 9-11.  Consistent effort, strong study habits, and seeking support when needed can make a significant difference. Seek extra help with your teacher and/or STEP after school if needed and communicate with teachers and your School Counselor for support. 

Update Your Activities List:  Begin tracking your extracurriculars, volunteer work, jobs, and leadership roles. This will be helpful for future applications, scholarships, and letters of recommendation when it’s time  for College Application Season Senior Year. 

Plan for Standardized Testing: Start thinking about the SAT and/or ACT.  (Register for Spring testing).  It's good to know your timeline and test registration deadlines. Make a Study Plan!

Senior Year Course Schedule :  (February/March):  

• REMINDER:  Scheduling Portal Open: Course Selections:  2/2/26 through 2/15/26:  Students will utilize Academic Planner within Infinite Campus to review core course recommendations completed by teachers and select electives for the 2026-27 school year. 

• REMINDER: School Counselors Meet with Students: 2/23/26 through 3/11/26: 

  • All students will meet with their counselor, one on one, after winter break. 

  • If you have questions or concerns after requesting your courses, you will have the opportunity to discuss and make changes with your school counselor.

  • If you want to appeal a teacher recommendation, you should address this in your meeting with your school counselor before filling out an appeal. 

• REMINDER:  APPEALS:  Students who have not been recommended for a course they wish to take have the right to appeal the recommendation after meeting with their school counselor.  There will be two time periods available to fill out an appeal:

  • 2/23/26 through 3/11/26

  • 5/1/26 through 5/11/26

Explore Summer Opportunities: Explore summer opportunities that support your interests, goals, and future plans. Whether through employment, internships, volunteering, enrichment programs, camps, courses, or other structured experiences, summer activities can help you build skills, gain real-world experience, and discover new passions.

Service Learning Graduation Requirement:  Engage in Service Learning activities towards meeting the MHS Service Learning Graduation Requirement (minimum 60 Hours).  Submit your Service Learning Hours  in our Digital Service Learning System in IC! 

Junior Year Timeline &  Checklists: Review information on our site pages to stay on track! These pages are designed to guide you through every stage of your college and post-secondary planning journey.

Let’s make it a great Junior year! Remember, you don’t need to have all the answers right now. This is the time to ask questions, explore possibilities, and begin setting meaningful goals.  Your School Counselors are here to support you every step of the way with postsecondary planning, college research, and the application process.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to your School Counselor with questions or for guidance. We look forward to supporting you as you move forward. This is an exciting and important time in your journey!

As we continue to move through February, we encourage you to stay focused, take care of yourselves, and stay warm! Spring, new opportunities, and exciting next steps are just around the corner.

Warm regards, 

MHS School Counseling Department

April J. Ljumić,  Administrator for School Counseling

Start Exploring Summer Opportunities ☀️

Junior year is an ideal time for students to begin exploring summer opportunities that support their interests, goals, and future plans. Whether through employment, internships, volunteering, enrichment programs, camps, courses, or other structured experiences, summer activities can help students build skills, gain real-world experience, and discover new passions.

We encourage you to begin these conversations early, as many summer opportunities have application deadlines in late winter or early spring. Students may also want to connect with their School Counselor, teachers, or other mentors for ideas and guidance when identifying opportunities that are a good fit.

Meaningful summer experiences don’t have to look one specific way! What matters most is engagement, responsibility, and personal growth. Planning ahead can help you  make the most of their summer and continue building toward their postsecondary goals.