Sophomore Updates
Winter 2023
December 8, 2023
Dear Sophomore Parents and Guardians,
This past week school counselors met with sophomore advisories in the Career Center to review academic and future planning. Sophomore year is an incredibly important time as students are approaching the half-way point of their high school career. The transition from a student's sophomore to junior year can be both exciting and daunting as the reality of post-secondary life becomes more clear.
Our presentation this week included asking students to reflect on their accomplishments thus far, consider what requirements they have left to complete, and encouragement for students as they begin to consider all the opportunities that lie before them.
We encourage you to talk with your sophomore about this presentation and have included it below.
Career Technical Education
Soon your student will have the opportunity to apply to one of our Career Technical Education programs (CTE). CTE provides cutting-edge, rigorous and relevant career and technical education to enhance student occupational, personal, and academic success. This applied learning opportunity helps to prepare youth for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers.
CTE programs prepare students to be ready for career and post-secondary opportunities by:
Delivering expert instruction in national industry-related standards and technical skills
Providing an opportunity for student academic success through multiple pathways
Partnering with area employers and local industry to ensure that students are ready and prepared to meet the needs of the workforce
Introducing and reinforcing general employability skills that are common to all work environments
Coordinating with postsecondary partners to facilitate a seamless transition into continued learning opportunities
MHS partners with Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) and Dover Career Technical Center (CTC) to offer students 25 different programs which can help to support them in their career goals.
On Wednesday, January 31st, students will attend a presentation during advisory to learn about the career technical opportunities available to them as juniors. Students will receive information about the programs at Sanford (SRTC) and Dover CTC and review the application process. If you or your student would like more information on these programs, descriptions are available in the MHS Program of Studies and on the SRTC and Dover websites.
Following the presentation, students will have the opportunity to sign up to attend a field trip to visit either program. We encourage all students who have any level of interest in the CTC programs to attend this field trip. Permission slips will be provided after the Jan. 31st presentation, and will be due on February 5th.
We look forward to working with you and your sophomore during this exciting time. If you have any questions about any of these opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact your student’s school counselor or visit our MHS School Counseling Website.
Sincerely,
The MHS School Counselors
Important Upcoming Dates
January
Sophomore Meetings with School Counselors begin
NWEA Testing (More information to follow)
1st- Dover CTC Application portal opens
16-19th: Semester 1 Exams
31st: SRTC & Dover CTC Informational Session (Advisory)
February
Sophomore Meetings with School Counselors continue
1st SRTC Application portal opens
6th: SRTC/Dover CTC Field Trip Permission Slip due
13th: Visit to SRTC for interested students
14th: Visit to Dover CTC for interested students
March
Sophomore Meetings with School Counselors continue
1st: SRTC Application closes
5th: Dover CTC Priority Application Deadline
Select student applicants will be chosen for an interview (virtual).
April
10th- Dover CTC application determinations are shared
12th- SRTC application determinations are shared
MHS School Counselor Contact Information:
Lindsay Edson (A-C) Lindsay.Edson@rsu35.org
Angie Littlefield (D-J) Angie.Littlefield@rsu35.org
Kelly O’Brien (K-Q) Substitute for Ms. Wilkey Kelly.Obrien@rsu35.org
Katelyn Leboeuf (R-Z) Katelyn.Leboeuf@rsu35.org
Kyle Lontine (Career Tech Students) Kyle.Lontine@rsu35.org
Sophomore Year Next Steps
Explore the CAREER CLUSTERS and CAREER PATHWAYS that most interest you!
This is your starting point for career discovery!
Explore the opportunities at SRTC and Dover Career Tech that are available to you!
Arts & Communications Pathway
6 credits YCCC
Counts toward MHS Fine Art requirement for graduation
3 credits YCCC
Counts toward MHS Fine Art requirement for graduation
Business & Marketing Pathway
Hours can be counted toward some Schools of Cosmetology
Counts toward MHS Fine Art requirement for graduation
3 credits YCCC
Servsafe Certification
Counts toward MHS Fine Art requirement for graduation
18 credits Thomas College
3 credits YCCC
Maine Board of Pesticide Control Certification
6 credits YCCC Articulation Agreement
Health & Human Services Pathway
State of Maine Certified Nursing Assistant
*1 year program*
7 credits YCCC
State of Maine EMT Certification (after age 18)
*1 year program*
6 credits YCCC
Counts toward MHS PE requirement for graduation (.5)
CPR/First Aid, Mandated Reporter, Early Childhood Assistant Certification
State of Maine Firefighter I/II Certification
Articulation Agreement* in place with Maine CC
Counts toward MHS PE requirement for graduation (.5)
Science & Technology Pathway
ALI Lift, S/P 2, Auto Collision / Refinishing Safety, I-Car Pro Level 1 Certification
State of Maine Automobile Inspection, S/P 2 Certification
Counts toward MHS Fine Art requirement for graduation
State of Maine Electrician’s Helper, OSHA Certification
American Welding Society Certification
OSHA, State of Maine Plumbing Trainee Certification
15-18 credits YCCC
3D SolidWorks Cert., SME/ToolingU Additive Manufacturing Certifications
Counts toward MHS Fine Art requirement for graduation
3 credits GBCC
Pet Tech CPR, and First Aid certification
3 credits GBCC
First Aid, CPR
Successful cadets are eligible for E-2 initial enlistment in the Navy
3 creits GBCC
Basic Life Support CPR, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)