The mission of the Martinsville High School Counseling Program – in partnership with other educators, parents/guardians, and the community – is to provide a comprehensive, developmental counseling program that addresses the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students and ensures that they are self-directed, lifelong learners who are prepared to become productive and responsible citizens of society. Counseling services are available to all students at Martinsville High School. The role of the school counselor is to advise students about topics such as careers, occupational information, and to assist students with interpreting test scores. In addition, counselors are available to students who may have personal concerns about social, school, or home issues. School counselors also help to establish lines of communication between staff and students. Experienced, licensed counselors are available throughout the school day and by appointment. Strict confidentiality is maintained. The counseling department maintains a library of information on colleges, financial aid opportunities, and vocational information for student, faculty, and community use. Detailed information on most post-secondary institutions in Indiana is available. The counseling department also maintains and distributes information on current financial aid resources available for post-secondary education. Career information is also available through the Counseling Department.
Kami Hyde – Department Chair
Julie Presley – Last Name A-F
Chanda Rautenkranz – Last Name P-Z
Hannah Mattimiro – Last Name G-O
Carl Wagner – Senior Success Center Director
Jen Nuckles-Stafford – Registrar
The counseling department serves as the liaison between parents and students and the special services department. Special services include help for students with learning disabilities, speech and hearing difficulties, the need for vocational rehabilitation, and emotional difficulties. Special services conferences and appointments are made through contacting the high school or the Director of Special Education, 765-342-6641, ext. 1012.
Individual Services – Experienced, licensed counselors are available throughout the school day and by appointment. Strict confidentiality is maintained.
Alejandra Shaffer – MHS Social Worker
Parents are encouraged to see counselors at any time during the school day, but appointments are preferred.
Current students, recent graduates, and former students need to request transcripts via Parchment.com this electronic service requires a small fee for former graduates.
The department also aids currently enrolled students on an individual and on-going basis in developing and maintaining an appropriate 4-year course plan to provide a foundation for future career goals.
Do you want to get a head start on college? The Indiana College Core allows high school students to earn 30 general education credits that can be transferred as a block to any public college or university in Indiana, as well as some private institutions. In other words, students who earn the College Core in high school may already be finished with their first year of college at a fraction of the cost. To learn more about the Indiana College Core and put together your plan, use My College Core (mycollegecore.org) and work closely with your school counselor.
The Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most important document for determining if you’re eligible for financial aid – money to help you pay for education and training beyond high school. The easiest way to file the FAFSA is online at FAFSA.gov.
After you file your FAFSA, your college will be able to tell you which scholarships and grants you could receive as well as how much money you can borrow in federal loans. To find out more about the FAFSA, including what kinds of state financial aid is available, check out Learn More Indiana’s FAFSA guide for Hoosiers.
Contact Learn More Indiana and get connected with specialists who can answer your questions.
The counseling department is responsible for several additional services for the staff and students at Martinsville High School. These include: monitoring the academic progress of each student by consulting with teachers through a variety of communication methods; working closely with the middle school counselors to assure students have a smooth and effective transition to high school; working closely with Hammons Alternative School staff; resolving scheduling conflicts; assisting in administering standardized tests; distributing standardized test results; attending professional development workshops and conferences; assisting with the college application process; training counselor interns; assisting with career-related field trips; coordinating leadership development opportunities for students; and being a liaison between MHS and Hoosier Hills Vocational School.
The counseling department maintains and distributes information on current financial aid available in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans for post-secondary education. MHS has no control over or responsibility for which scholarships and loans are available to the students.
The counseling department will host a Financial Aid Night. At this meeting a college financial aid officer will assist students and parents in completing the student FAFSA form. FAFSA forms can now be filed out starting December 2023 and are due on or before April 15th. You will need to check with your colleges to see if they may have an earlier deadline.
Carl Wagner – Senior Success Center Director
