How does the scheduling process at FMHS work?

In the eighth grade, students will take the career exploration course and begin the four-year plan process, which must be completed by the end of the eighth grade school year.  FMHS administration and counselors will help students choose courses for the  freshman year based on that plan in the spring of the eighth grade year.  In the ninth grade, students continue career exploration and further research aptitudes they are matching with through career screeners.  Freshmen will also choose their courses for their sophomore year in the spring with the assistance of the school counselor, and in alignment to the four-year plan.  Juniors and seniors will have more in-depth conversations with their school counselor about their career path and the necessary steps they will need to take to achieve those goals.  Juniors will also choose their courses for their senior year in the spring with the assistance of the school counselor, and in alignment to the four-year plan.  Each senior will meet with their school counselor at the beginning of their senior year to ensure the student is on track to graduate and make adjustments if there are issues.  

When should seniors apply for scholarships?

Scholarships typically become available in January, but may be available before then.  Students should see their school counselor for information regarding scholarships.

How many college visits can a student take during their senior year?

FMHS allows for three excused absences for seniors for college visits.

If my student intends to attend a college or university, when should they apply?

Seniors who wish to attend a college or university should begin applying as soon as they are comfortable doing so.  FMHS advises applying to three or more colleges or universities by Thanksgiving of their senior year.

How does FMHS calculate grade-point-average (GPA)?

Grade point average is computer using eligible academic courses.  Each section (trimester course) equals one credit.  A single trimester course earns one credit, while a two-trimester course earns two credits.  GPA is calculated by totaling the credits completed by the number of credits attempted.  Unweighted courses are scored on a four-point scale (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0).  Weighted courses are scored on a five point scale (A=5, B=4, C=3, D=1, F=0).  

Example:

Honors Algebra 1 (weighted) - A=5 points

Earth Science (unweighted) - C=2 points

Career Exploration (unweighted) - A=4 points 

Honors English 1 (weighted) - B=4 points

Basic Weightlifting (unweighted) - C=2 points

Total = 17 credits earned divided by 5 credits attempted = 3.40 GPA

How does FMHS compute Valedictorian and Salutatorian?

Salutatorian - The Salutatorian is the senior with the second highest numerical average in grades 9-12.

Valedictorian - The Valedictorian is the senior with the highest numerical average in grades 9-12.

What are the graduation requirements?

Graduation requirements can be found under the Home tab under Graduation Requirements.

Does my graduating senior have to complete CPR?

Yes.  FMHS offers three opportunities during the school year to meet the graduation requirement for free.  A parent may also enroll their student in an accredited CPR course.

How many hours does my student need to graduate?

At the moment, classes are on an escalating continuum that will end with 100 hours of community service.  Students are encouraged to fulfill approximately a quarter of the hours needed for graduation during each school year.  Students can certainly work ahead if they desire.  Students cannot start collecting hours until they have started high school coursework.  Hours needed are listed below:

• Class of 2024 - 40 hours required

• Class of 2025 - 60 hours required

• Class of 2026 - 80 hours completed

• Class of 2027 - 100 hours required

What career and technical education programs does FMHS offer?

• In the 2023/2024 school year, FMHS will offer CTE programs in auto, business, carpentry, family and consumer science, health sciences, healthcare occupations, industrial technology, welding, and work-based learning.  

• Concurrent enrollment opportunities are available in auto, culinary, health sciences, healthcare occupations, industrial technology, welding, and work-based learning.  

Are there prerequisites for courses at FMHS?

For some courses, yes, there are prerequisites.  Introductory and foundational courses do not typically have prerequisites, but some core content courses do build on one another and may require the previous course in the progression to be eligible.  When you are looking at the course catalog, each course will name the prerequisites required.  Prerequisites vary from department-to-department, and content-to-content.  Admission into weighted courses may also require a student to score in a certain percentile on the MAP and/or ISASP assessments to be admitted into a course.

Can courses required for graduation at FMHS be replaced by concurrent enrollment courses taken at a community college or other accredited college?

While FMHS offers many different concurrent enrollment options, the courses required in English, math, science, social studies, and career exploration may not be replaced by concurrent enrollment opportunities.  Because the state of Iowa requires a common core, and because we cannot guarantee the curriculum of a concurrent enrollment course, or the instructor teaching the concurrent enrollment course, core classes required for graduation may only be met through FMHS.

Can students meet their elective credits needed for graduation through concurrent enrollment opportunities?

Yes.  Elective credits are designed to give students opportunities to explore what they may desire to do after high school.  We encourage students to do so through concurrent enrollment.

What do I do if I suspect my child may have a learning and/or behavior disability and would like them to be considered for special education?  

A parent who suspects their child may need an individualized education plan can request a suspicion of disability by calling (641) 682-8591.

What do I do if I am concerned that my student is not progressing appropriately towards graduation? 

All parents and guardians have a right ro be fully informed about their student's academic progress toward graduation.  As a parent or guardian, you should schedule a conference with your student's counselor.

My student would like to graduate high school early.  How can they do that?

First, make an appointment with your school counselor about your interest in completing high school early and fill out the application to do so.  While FMHS is organized to accommodate a standard four-year schedule to graduation, we do offer the option of accelerated learning plans.