School Counseling
Welcome!
The Holliston High School Counseling Department—composed of school counselors, social workers, a school psychologist, and a career services coordinator—is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and student-centered environment. We ensure all students have equitable access to the opportunities, resources, and individualized guidance they need to thrive academically, socially, and in their postsecondary pursuits.
The vision and the commitment of the HHS School Counseling Office is to empower students to embrace their potential by understanding and managing their emotions, setting and achieving positive goals, feeling and showing empathy for others, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and making informed decisions and healthy choices.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with you!
Counselor Assignment
Last names beginning with:
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A - C - Elisa Taylor
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D - J - Marybeth Mont
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M - R - Mani Harwich
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S - Z, K - L - Jennifer Andrews
Contact Us
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Elisa Taylor
School Counselor
Counseling Department Leader
taylore@holliston.k12.ma.us
508-429-0677 x 1111
Marybeth Mont
School Counselor
508-429-0677 x 1109
Mani Harwich
School Counselor
harwichm@holliston.k12.ma.us
508-429-0677 x 1112
Jennifer Andrews
School Counselor
andrewsj@holliston.k12.ma.us
508-429-0677 x 1110
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Isabelle Elsasser
Administrative Assistant
elsasseri@holliston.k12.ma.us
508-429-0677 x 1107
Erika Calais
Adjustment Counselor
calaise@holliston.k12.ma.us
508-429-0677 x 1146
Lacey Hale
Adjustment Counselor
halel@holliston.k12.ma.us
508-429-0677 x 1119
Gretchen Powers
Adjustment Counselor
powersg@holliston.k12.ma.us
508-429-0677 x 1143
Sue Stone
Career Services Coordinator
stones@holliston.k12.ma.us
508-429-0677 x 1113
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- School Profile
- Counseling Services
- Academics and Learning Opportunities
- Career Planning
- College Planning
- Community and Mental Health Resources
- AP Exams
School Profile
Counseling Services
The Holliston High School Counseling Department—composed of school counselors, social workers, a school psychologist, and a career services coordinator—is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and student-centered environment. We ensure all students have equitable access to the opportunities, resources, and individualized guidance they need to thrive academically, socially, and in their postsecondary pursuits.
Our work aligns with the district’s Vision of a Graduate, which emphasizes the development of social-emotional competencies essential for healthy, meaningful, and productive lives. We guide students in becoming engaged global citizens, innovative thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners who lead with character and balance.
Each student is paired with the same assistant principal and school counselor throughout their four years, allowing for consistent mentorship and strong collaboration with families.
We partner with students, families, and educators to provide:
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Academic Support & Planning: Course selection, goal setting, and skill-building to ensure students are challenged, engaged, and prepared for success.
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Social-Emotional Learning & Well-Being: Guidance in self-awareness, stress management, and resilience to support positive mental health.
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Postsecondary & Career Readiness: Guidance in exploring college and career options and navigating applications to prepare students for success across diverse postsecondary and career pathways.
We encourage open communication and welcome parents and guardians to share any changes that may impact a student’s well-being. Together with teachers and staff, we work to create a learning environment that is responsive, compassionate, and student-focused.
Our school adjustment counselors and social workers provide additional specialized support as needed. Referrals to these services are coordinated through the counseling team.
Through collaboration, empathy, and a commitment to equity, the HHS Counseling Department supports each student in feeling seen, heard, and valued throughout their high school journey.
Academics and Learning Opportunities
Career Planning
Holliston High School partners with the community, local companies/organizations and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide career based learning opportunities for Holliston High School students. The services are designed to connect student’s academics with the real world of work. Together, we seek to provide students with the necessary skills and tools to make good career and life decisions.
HHS Career Services Coordinator, Sue Stone
Career Services Offered:
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Career Exploration
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Youth Connections (formerly MassHire)
College Planning
Holliston High School offers a variety of resources to help our students engage in decision-making around postsecondary planning. From as early as 9th grade, students engage in discussions around class selection as well as extracurricular and employment opportunities as they relate to their goals.
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Transcript and Recommendation Letter Request Deadlines (moving a college from "Following" to "Applying" in Scoir)
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Parent/Guardian Brag Sheet
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Student Brag Sheet
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College Representative Visits (September - November)
Testing
HHS School Counseling YouTube - Here, you can view presentations including Be Admitted, the GPA Game, Nuts & Bolts of the College Application Process, and much more!
Be Admitted Presentation from February 2024
Virtual College Panels (Part 1) from March 2025
Community and Mental Health Resources
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988 - At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone. Text or call 988.
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Advocates - Advocates champions people who face developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. We partner with individuals and families to shape creative solutions to even the greatest obstacles. First, we listen. Then, together, we do what it takes to help people thrive. 24-Hour Crisis Support is available at (800) 640-5432.
COUNSELING RESOURCES
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Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline - Call, text, or chat with professionals who can help connect individuals with clinical support based on their individual needs (should not be used in emergencies).
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Care Solace - Provides support for families in need of finding a therapist.
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Psychology Today - Browse our extensive directory of therapists, psychologists, and counselors near you.
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Ampersand Counseling Services - Online 6-week DBT therapy groups for students and parents.
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Youth & young adult services - MA Helpline - Substance Use Disorder resources
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Holliston Youth & Family Services (HYFS) - Free short-term therapeutic support for Holliston students and residents.
PARENT/GUARDIAN RESOURCES
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HandholdMA.org - An A to Z resource guide to support you through your child’s mental health journey.
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Cartwheel - A comprehensive resources page offering support, guidance, and tools tailored for parents and caregivers navigating various challenges.
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School- and district-based programming (SEPAC, Director of Student Services).
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Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families at Framingham State - programming and support for parents of children with unmet needs.
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Boston Children’s Hospital Adolescent Substance Abuse and Addiction Program - committed to reducing and preventing substance use disorders and related behaviors in children and adolescents. Our clinical program strives to create the right treatment plan for each patient and family.
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Turnbridge Blog - mental health resources from Turnbridge, a premier mental health and addiction treatment facility in CT.
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Newport Academy - Articles and resources for parenting your child through mental health difficulties.
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Heysigmund - parenting your child/teen with anxiety.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness Massachusetts - NAMI provides free information, ideas, resources, and support to help people across the state navigate the complex mental health system and related systems of care.
STUDENT RESOURCES
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See Something Say Something - Sandy Hook Promise - It's easy and completely confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies. Call 911 immediately if you believe you are experiencing an emergency.
LBGTQ+ RESOURCES
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OutMetroWest - OUT MetroWest builds communities where LGBTQ+ youth thrive. Free programs connect LGBTQ+ youth with supportive peers and LGBTQ+ adult role models.
AP Exams
Exam Schedule
AP Exam Schedule 2026 (by date) Two exams at the same time: You may register for both exams. You will take one exam on the alternate testing date. Mrs. Harwich will contact you after registration closes in the spring to inform you of which exam you will take on which date.Two exams in a day: You will take the exams on the primary testing date as scheduled, per College Board policy.NOTE: Students will not be permitted to take an alternate exam because their exam is held on the day of the Senior Prom. The AP Environmental Science (AM exam) and AP Computer Science A (PM exam) are offered on Friday, May 15. We will make every effort to conduct the test as efficiently as possible.
College Board AP Classroom (My AP)
All students enrolled in AP courses must enroll in the appropriate AP Classroom on the College Board's My AP site: http://myap.collegeboard.org.
During the month of September, your AP teacher will provide you with the join code(s) necessary to join the correct sections of your course. All students enrolled in AP courses must enroll in the appropriate AP Classroom on the College Board's My AP site:
** Joining the AP Classroom is NOT the same as ordering the exam, even if you indicate on the CB site that you plan to test. You MUST follow the two-step process in October to pay for and order your exam. If you do not pay, you will not test. **
Exam-only students (not enrolled in the relevant course at HHS): Please see your school counselor if you would like to self-study for an AP exam for a course that we currently offer at HHS.
Exam Ordering Information
Registration Deadlines
Thursday, October 31 - Regular registration end for all fall semester courses and ALL online courses
Friday, February 28 - Regular registration ends for all spring semester courses
Friday, November 15 - Friday, February 28 at 11:59pm - Late registration period. Each exam costs an additional $40 (College Board fee charged to HHS) and must be paid in full at the time of ordering.
Registration is a two-step process:
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1) Complete the registration and payment on the APTS site: https://aptsusa.com/holliston/ap/. Parents and students should both be present while registering to ensure that the correct exams are ordered. Please be sure to have a credit card or debit card available before beginning registration. If you do not complete this step, no exam will be ordered. If you need financial assistance, please contact Mrs. Harwich - harwichm@holliston.k12.ma.us.
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2) Complete the confirmation on the College Board’s My AP site (http://myap.collegeboard.org) for each AP course. Under each course, students should click “Register for Exam” and confirm registration (or indicate that they are not taking that exam).
Information for Exam-Only Test Takers (not enrolled in any course at HHS)
HHS permits its students to enroll in any exam that is currently offered at HHS, regardless of enrollment in the course.
Students follow the same registration process as all other test takers.
See your counselor to get the "Exam Only" Join Code and to ensure that you are able to pay for an exam on the APTS website.
A few key points:
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Students receive no access to any test preparation materials from HHS teachers or through AP Classroom. Students are entirely on their own for preparation.
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Colleges place much more value on enrollment and performance in the course than self-studying for exams. If it is possible to enroll in the course during your time at HHS, we strongly encourage you to do so. Note that many schools do not consider AP exam scores in the admission process at all.
All Exams:
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Please be ready to go when you arrive! Know your College Board login credentials, have a blue or black pen, be sure pencils sharpened, stop at the restroom, etc. Check the list of what to bring/not bring below. We will begin promptly!
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Students cannot be dismissed until the full regular testing window has elapsed. All test takers must remain seated until they are dismissed by the proctor.
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Students should bring with them only what is necessary for exams.
NOTE: Students will not be permitted to take an alternate exam because their exam is held on the day of the Senior Prom. We will make every effort to conduct the test as efficiently as possible.
If you are out sick, please make sure that you email Mrs. Harwich directly and immediately - please do not assume that message will be relayed to her.
Sending Scores to Colleges
Seniors should send their official scores to the college they will attend. This will send all exam scores for all AP exams you ever took. The deadline to make this request is June 20th for 2026 Exams. Click here for directions and FAQs.
Sophomores and Juniors should not send their scores at this time. Students will report unofficial scores on college applications, and send official scores at the end of their senior year.
Score Release
Scores will be available starting in early July 2026. Scores are released online on the College Board site.
Exam Cancellations and Refunds
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Students who wish to cancel an AP Exam may do so through March 31, 2026 for a partial refund of $60. A $41 cancellation penalty fee levied by College Board will be retained from the exam fees on file. Credit and debit card fees are non-refundable.
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Changes to registrations/cancellations on or after April 1, 2026 will not be eligible for any refund.
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Cancellation notification must be submitted to cancel@aptsusa.com and include the student’s name, Holliston High School’s name, and the name of the exam the student wishes to cancel.
More AP Information
Digital/Hybrid Tests
On test day, you must bring:
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your charged Chromebook
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your power cord
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external mouse (optional)
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your College Board username and password
You will use the Bluebook app for testing, which has been loaded to your Chromebook. (Power your computer off and restart prior to test day so Bluebook can update.)
Scrap paper will be provided. Do not bring your own.
Click here to watch a video previewing the digital testing experience. It is strongly recommended that you complete the Preview questions in the Bluebook app. While these are not scored, it will allow you to practice using the tools within the app.
The following tests are fully digital:
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AP Computer Science A
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AP Computer Science Principles
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AP English Language and Composition
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AP English Literature and Composition
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AP Environmental Science
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AP European History
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AP Human Geography
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AP Psychology
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AP United States Government and Politics
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AP United States History
The below tests are hybrid. For these tests, the multiple choice section will be completed and submitted via the Bluebook app. The free response questions will be in the Bluebook app, and you will hand-write your answers in the provided testing booklet.
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AP Biology
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AP Calculus AB
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AP Calculus BC
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AP Chemistry
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AP Macroeconomics
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AP Microeconomics
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AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
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AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
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AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
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AP Physics C: Mechanics
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AP Statistics
Special Instructions: World Language (French and Spanish)
On test day, you will need to bring your Chromebook and charger with you to the test.
Prior to exam day, you will need to practice with the recording app, to be sure it works properly on your device, and to ensure that you are comfortable using it. The College Board usually releases the DAC practice code in April.
Some important information about this exam:
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If your Chromebook doesn't work, you should contact the Tech Dept now to get it repaired. Please don't wait until exam day.
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PLEASE take the time to practice. We won't be providing remedial instructions on exam day for students who did not practice on their own.
Special Instructions: Computer Science Principles (NOT OFFERED 2025-2026)
Students taking AP Computer Science Principles must follow the directions provided by their teacher to submit their performance task by the final deadline.
No submissions will be accepted after April 30th at 11:59pm EDT. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. There is no grace period if your submission is slow.
In addition, you must take the in-person exam.
Special Instructions: Art Portfolios (NOT OFFERED 2025-2026)
Students taking AP 2D or AP Drawing must follow the directions provided by their teacher to submit their portfolio by the final deadline.
No submissions will be accepted after Friday, May 9th at 8pm EDT. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. There is no grace period if your submission is slow.
All submission is digital this year. There is no submission of physical work, and there is no exam.
Terms and Conditions
The College Board requires that all students accept the terms and conditions. You will be asked for confirmation of your agreement to these terms as part of your test on exam day.
Absences for Emergencies
Students who have an emergency and are unable to test as scheduled should contact Mrs. Harwich, AP Coordinator, immediately by email. We will determine if you are eligible to reschedule to a future testing date.
Exams may be made up in very limited circumstances; a doctor's note will be required for absences missed due to illness.
Bring/Don't Bring
What to Bring:
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Chromebook and power cord - required for all tests.
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Your College Board username and password.
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Several sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers (not mechanical pencils).
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Pens (dark blue or black ink only).
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Scientific or Graphing Calculator (Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Statistics, Physics only) - be sure yours meets the requirements. No calculators will be provided.
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4-Function Calculator (Microeconomics and Macroeconomics) - Here are some Amazon links to acceptable calculators, if you can't find one in your kitchen junk drawer: Casio-HSVA, Amazon Basics Desktop Calculator, TI-503 Calculator
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A ruler - for Physics tests that allow a ruler. No protractors allowed.
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Layers of clothing (it could be 80+ in the library, or it could be 65. It's unpredictable - but more likely to be hot because there is no air conditioning).
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Water/small snack - taken out of your backpack prior to the start of the test.
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Lunch from home - if you have two exams in the same day, or if you have a morning extended time test. You might consider bringing a "snack lunch" that you can eat throughout the day if you are taking multiple tests. Taken out of your backpack prior to the start of the test.
What NOT to Bring:
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Leisure books - You cannot read during the test or break.
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Scrap paper - Paper will be provided by the school.
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Test prep books/class notes/textbooks/etc. - These cannot enter the test room at all. Leave them home.
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Cell phones/smartwatches - The official College Board policy is no phones in the testing room. Any cell phones, etc. that make it to the testing room will be turned off, collected and returned to you after all exams have been collected. If you don't want us to take it, don't bring it at all.
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Mechanical pencils.
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Highlighters - they are not permitted.
Exam Day Logistics
Morning Exams:
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Report Time: 8:00 am (seated and start test at 8:15 am).
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Report directly to your assigned testing room.
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Lunch: Students will eat lunch in the period after testing, before returning to class for the afternoon.
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Extended time students should bring their lunch from home.
Afternoon Exams:
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Report Time: See schedule posted in Google Classroom (in early spring). Report times vary, and may be adjusted if the morning exam runs late.
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Students are expected to attend morning classes.
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Report directly to your assigned testing room.
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Students must pre-arrange their own transportation home for all afternoon exams. You will not catch the bus.
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See schedule above for anticipated end times for regular time exams. End times for afternoon tests are unpredictable, and may vary from those listed here. Extended time exams will end later.
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Lunch: Students may have to eat during DSB. Bringing your lunch is recommended on test days.
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Make sure to tell your coach or advisor that you will miss practice/games/meetings, if applicable. HHS will not reschedule exams for regular season athletic events. If a conference/county/state tournament is scheduled on your exam day, please reach out to Mrs. Harwich ASAP to discuss options.
Two exams in a day:
You will need to bring a lunch from home. You will have an opportunity to eat (quickly, ~ 15 minutes) in a designated area between exams. You might also consider bringing a "snack lunch" that you can space out and eat during the exam breaks and the break between tests.
Class Attendance Policy On Testing Days:
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If you are absent from classes beyond those during your exam time and lunch, you will be marked absent. PLEASE monitor your absences for the year. You don't want to lose credit in a class because you came in late on an AP exam day.
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If you intend to leave after your exam, please have your parent/guardian call the attendance office in the morning before testing. Course absences for your classes held after exam dismissal and lunch are NOT excused and count towards loss of credit.