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High School Counseling Services


The hands of an adult indicating instructions to the hands of a student writing in a spiral notebook.

It is crucial for students to have a positive attitude about themselves and their school environment in order to perform well academically and to become responsible, productive citizens. High School counselors work with students to help them develop their talents and abilities and reach their personal, educational, and career goals.

High School Counseling Program

School counselors at the high school are available for academic counseling, post-secondary planning, career exploration, social/emotional support, and consultation with teachers and parents regarding their students. They meet with students individually and in small groups. The school counselor serves as the bridge between the classroom and all other aspects of students’ lives. Students may also meet with the Family-School Liaison or Student Assistance Counselor and are advised of the availability of private and agency counseling, as needed.

Access more information about the Counseling Program in the Course Catalog.

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Individual Counseling

Students may stop in the Counseling Center to see their counselor before school, during a study hall or free period, or after school. They can arrange an appointment with their counselor through a counseling department secretary. Students may request an appointment online.

Topics that students may wish to discuss with a counselor include:

  • academic programs
  • course scheduling
  • decision-making regarding college and career choices
  • setting and achieving realistic goals
  • relationships with family members and peers; social/emotional concerns
  • feelings of belonging and self-worth

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Seminar Program

A counseling curriculum has been developed to cover important areas of academic, career and social-emotional learning.

Grade 9

  • Preparation for 10th grade; course selection process.
  • Introduction to high school (expectations of teachers, extra help, ways to become involved, available support services).
  • Discussion of counselor’s role.
  • Discussions about maintaining balance in one’s life.
  • Graduation requirements and academic/vocational information.
  • Review of first semester (academic progress, activity involvement, etc.)

Grade 10

  • Transcript review.
  • Reinforcement of students’ abilities to make positive choices.
  • Career exploration, including career-related materials.
  • Course selection: importance in relation to careers and post-secondary options.
  • Standardized Testing Program.
  • Introduction to SchoolLinks and resume building.

Grade 11

  • Standardized Testing Program and recommended testing schedule.
  • Post-high school planning and preparation, including the college search process.
  • Transcript review.
  • Interview techniques/college visit.
  • East Side College Night.
  • Graduation requirements and senior year course selection.

Grade 12

  • Financial aid information.
  • Review of college seeking process; begin college application.
  • Financial literacy.
  • Inside the Admission’s Office.
  • Application process.
  • Transcript review.

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College & Career Center

The College and Career Center provides a variety of resource materials on colleges, scholarships, financial aid, careers and part-time employment.  Please stop by and to stay up-to-date on all of the details and deadlines.

The Career Center is located in the Counseling Center in House I.

View opportunities for financial aid, scholarships, special programs, job shadowing/volunteer opportunities and job openings on our College & Career Center page.

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College Entrance Testing

High school students who are considering college may want to participate in a program of standardized testing. Either the SAT or ACT are accepted by colleges and universities as a factor for consideration in the admissions process. There are more than 2,100 colleges that are test-optional and do not require standardized tests. 

College entrance tests are designed to measure a student’s ability to do college level work. By having a standardized set of test scores for an applicant, the admissions professionals are able to compare students from different states, schools, and academic backgrounds.

Admission decisions are based on many factors including the high school transcript, teacher and counselor recommendations, personal statement, extracurricular activities and test scores. At each college, the weight of these factors varies, but the high school record is almost always the most important single factor for consideration for admission.

View more information on our College Entrance Testing page.

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Parent/Guardian Conferences

Administrators, counselors, and teachers welcome the opportunity to confer with parents/guardians. Conferences may be arranged by contacting the teacher, counselor, or principal. Requests for meetings should be made at least one week in advance. Parent/guardian, teacher meetings take place during ninth period – 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Additional information about High School Counseling Services can be found in the F-M High School Handbook.

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