Academic & Career Exploration

Academic & Career Exploration

Equipping our students with the resources and skills to go out and achieve personal success

Virtual job shadow

“VirtualJobShadow.com empowers individuals to discover, plan, and pursue their dreams with our unique video-based career planning platform. Our interactive tools help students and job seekers develop career paths based on choice, not chance.”

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Career Information

There are many jobs available locally to student and FMHS graduates. Often, we have businesses contact us with job openings and possibilities. If you’d like more information and details, contact your guidance counselor! 

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Financial Aid Help

Here are some very useful videos from the Iowa College Access Network to help guide you through the financial aide process:

Financial aid process
Understanding the FSA ID

8 English Credits

  • English 9
  • English 10
  • English 11
  • Any two other English electives
6 Math Credits 
  • Algebra I
  • Geometry
  • Algebra II
6 Science Credits
  • Physical Science
  • Biology
  • Earth Science
6 History Credits
  • Sociology
  • U.S. History
  • American Government
  • Economics
  • 1 elective
4 Physical Education Credits
1 Health Credit
19 Electives (Must include at least 1 Business or Vocational credit)
 
53 Total Credits Required
20 Total Hours of Community Service Required
 
 
Students must additionally complete the Everfi Financial Literacy Program and CPR class through their Physical Education class. 

The scheduling process begins in the Spring each year.  We begin with collecting student requests for courses, in accordance with their graduation requirements.  Every effort is made to both offer opportunities for learning as well as help them prepare for their next step in life, whether that be attending college, entering the workforce, or military. We encourage students to discuss their course selections with family to get their feedback.  Schedules are available via the parent portal in mid-summer.  Schedule changes can be requested two weeks prior to school starting.  Please call the guidance office for your appointment.

The FMHS Counseling Office is always willing to help a student deal with ANY issue they are having that interferes with their ability to reach their goals personally and academically.  

 

Below are a few resources for students we feel are important:

 
YourLifeIowa-YourLifeIowa is a collaborative effort between the Iowa Department of Public Health, The Crisis Center of Johnson County and Foundation 2 that was launched in November 2012 and connects young Iowans with caring people who will listen. Trained counselors can be reached through texting, online chat, or phone. It’s free, private, and easy to use. You can contact YourLifeIowa for problems big and small. 

Here are a few reasons your students may want to reach out:

– Bullying 

– Depression and anxiety

– Peer pressure 

– Self-esteem 

– Friends and relationships

– Thoughts of suicide

Chat: www.yourlifeiowa.org

Talk: 855-581-8111

Text: 855-895-8398

Data is an important part of education, there are a variety of ways we collect data to help us make educational decisions.  Testing is one of those. Listed below are a variety of tests available to students by grade level, which they may either be required to take or be offered to them during the school year. 

9th Grade:

  • Iowa Assessments (January/February)
  • (MAP) Measures of Academic Progress (Three times per Year)

10th Grade:

  • Iowa Assessments (January/February)
  • ACT Aspire Test (typically October/November)
  • (MAP) Measures of Academic Progress (Three times per Year)

11th Grade:

  • Iowa Assessments (January/February)
  • (MAP) Measures of Academic Progress (Three Times per Year)
  • PSAT optional test given in October
  • ACT test, should be taken after the student is at least halfway through Algebra 2 (www.actstudent.org)
  • COMPASS tests through Southeastern Community College if students are taking Dual Credit classes that require it.

12th Grade:

  • ACT test, at least 2 times following the completion of Algebra 2 (www.actstudent.org)
  • National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) test for students planning on entering the workplace.  Test gives information to employers about their workplace skills. Test is registered and certificate is required by many employers in our area.
 

Statewide Summer Activities List

Scholarships

The scholarship documents below are updated as needed and emailed to seniors at that time.  Binders with this information are also available in the Library and Counseling Office for students to use.  Students should stop by the Counseling Office to pick up applications.  Pay careful attention to deadlines and requirements as applications will be disqualified for not meeting all the requirements. (i.e. no transcript included or not enough recommendation letters)  Watch the student announcements for information on Scholarship Seminars later this year to help students navigate this process.  Any student who is unsure of their path after high school should make an appointment to see Mrs. Clark (the Junior/Senior School Counselor) to receive assistance.

Local Scholarships
Scholarships Available

HELPFUL LINKS

GUIDE TO PAYING FOR COLLEGE

Here is a link to some great information about the cost of college and the associated steps to pay for it. There are 6 steps in total, including The Cost of College, The Steps to Paying for College, Financial Aid, Scholarships & Grants, College Savings Accounts, and Student Loans. In addition, there are 5 videos to make the information more digestible and engaging.

PAYING FOR SCHOOL JUST GOT EASIER

Another great search tool for scholarships can be found here. Keep in mind, you should never have to pay for a scholarship application. More local scholarships are more profitable to spend your time applying for as the pool of candidates is much smaller. But, if you have a specialized field you plan to study or a circumstance or family history that makes you qualified for scholarships, this website is a great resource!

LENDEDU'S GUIDE TO COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

LendEDU is a marketplace for private student loans, student loan refinancing, credit cards, and personal loans- among other financial products. Their goal is to create transparency in these markets to help consumers make educated decisions and better manage their money. Services are free for consumers and do not hurt consumer credit. You can find hundreds of original guides, tools, and resources designed to help students and graduates make tough financial decisions and ensure that they are making, saving, and growing their money to the best of their abilities.