Sophomore Schedule Pickup Date - Thursday, August 24, 2006 (may be subject to change)
During the Sophomore year, students' needs in the areas of career planning and exploration, knowledge of self and others, study skills, educational/vocational and career development continue to be important.
Throughout the year, there are several activities that the counselor will use to help students with their needs. Some of the activities include: individual counseling, credit checks, The NMU College Fair, Student/Teacher Assistance Team meetings, NCAA Clearinghouse information, college and military representative information, individual testing, ACT, PLAN, ASVAB, PSAT and SAT information, HOBY program, and planning, registration and scheduling for the Junior school year.
Some activities are conducted by the counselor in the English and/or social studies classrooms. The counseling office is also the custodian of all school records past and present. All registration, enrollment, and scheduling are performed through this office.
Why MEAPS ?
During the Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years, MSHS students have the opportunity to take the MEAP High School Test (HST) in five areas: mathematics, reading, science, social studies, and writing. There are two major benefits to achieving qualifying scores on the MEAP HST.
First, the state of Michigan requires high school juniors and seniors, desiring to take partial-cost-paid college courses (called "dual enrollment"), to have taken all five MEAP HSTs and achieved endorsement in the subject area's in which they would like to earn college credit. In order to meet this minimum requirement, your son or daughter will have to take the MEAP HSTs during the year prior to their dual enrollment. Those students interested in dual enrollment should keep in mind two additional requirements: 1.) a minimum of a 3.0 ("B") accumulative academic MSHS grade point average and 2.) completion of all MSHS courses in the subject area they wish to earn college credit. More information on dual enrollment can be found in the 1999-2000 MSHS Course Offerings booklet or refer to the Procedures and Responsibilities of the MSHS Dual Enrolled Student. Copies of procedures and registration forms can be picked up in Guidance.
The second benefit of achieving qualifying scores on the MEAP HSTs is the Merit Award. In June 1999, Public Act 25 was signed into law. This law awards high school students, who meet certain criteria, To be eligible, a student must take the MEAP HSTs in mathematics, reading, science and writing. Students who score at Level 1 (Exceeded Michigan Standards) or Level 2 (Met Michigan Standards) on these four tests and meet all other eligibility requirements will qualify to receive the award. More information on the Michigan Merit Award Scholarship Program can be found at the Department of Treasury's website. For additional questions regarding the program call 1-888-956-3748 or e-mail meritaward@state.mi.us
The M.E.A.P. HPTs are scheduled for October, 2006 and April, 2007 (these dates are subject to change).
Things to Keep in Mind:
Become involved in school-community-based extracurricular activities that interest you/or enable you to explore career interests.
Get to know your guidance counselor, and other resources available to begin exploring post-high school educational and vocational options.
There is a plumbing apprenticeship program available through the Superior Plumbers and Mechanical Contractor's Association. The Plumbing Apprenticeship Program offers qualified high school students a chance to get started on a 4-year training program that combines both on-the-job training with related instruction. Your afternoon class schedule will need to allow for a 5th and 6th hour job placement, and you will also receive high school credit for participation in this program. Interested students should see their counselors in early May to apply for this program.
Talk to adults in a variety of professions to determine what they like and dislike about their jobs and what kind of education is needed for each kind of job.
Dual enrollment between MSHS and NMU is available to Juniors and Seniors. See your Guidance Counselor for more information.
There are great opportunities in your Senior year, such as Internships, Work Study, Health Occupations class, welding program at NMU,, dual enrollment, etc. Good attendance, arriving on time for class, and decent grades will have a positive impact on all of your options. Keep a positive focus.
Take advantage of opportunities to visit colleges and talk to students; visit with college representatives who come to MSHS.