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.”

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!

Financial Aid Help
Here are some very useful videos from the Iowa College Access Network to help guide you through the financial aide process:
8 English Credits
6 Math Credits
6 Science Credits
| 6 History Credits
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:
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:
10th Grade:
11th Grade:
12th Grade:
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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.
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.