Guidance Curriculum
The following sessions are required for all STM students. They are not classes per se, but they are full of useful information that will help students while at STM and beyond.
011 Freshman Orientation - Grade 9 (Required)
For six weeks in the first semester, freshmen are provided with an orientation to high school. Guidance counselors meet in small groups with the new class and discuss the following topics:
- Review of the STM Handbook and clarification of school standards and expectations.
- Study habits for success
- High school and college academic requirements
- Registration planning for sophomore year
- How to get personal and academic help
- Introduction to support staff
- Rap session with senior leaders - What STM is about from the student perspective
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021 Career Guidance - Grade 10 (Required)
For six weeks in the second semester, the world of work, aptitudes, interests, and work values are explored. Extensive use is made of the Compass Guide computer program and directions booklet.
- Understanding Self - The students interests, aptitudes and work values will be discovered via various instruments. We will then connect and match individual aptitudes, interests and work values to specific career opportunities.
- Career Development - The world of work and various occupations will be explored. The students will begin planning for the training/education required to reach their career goal.
- In collaboration with the English Department, a research paper on the career exploration process will be required.
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Junior Post-High School Planning - Grade 11 (Required)
Research on colleges, apprenticeships, the military and exploration of post high school options begin in earnest. This is accomplished in the first semester through PSAT administration, STM college night, interpretation of PSAT results and timeline information. Students are encouraged to research colleges by taking advantage of college rep visits, the Guidance Department college resource room, and the Compass Guide computer program. Second semester activities include a four-day presentation by counselors that explore post high school options and offers pamphlets and brochures on public and private colleges, tips on the selection process and information on financial aid and scholarships. The journey continues with visits to colleges in the spring and summer. Students take the ACT in April and June, and resumes and personal essays are written.
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Senior Post-High School Decision Making - Grade 12 (Required)
Individual and group meetings are held with seniors first quarter to discuss credit checks for graduation, review the college application process and make decisions regarding post high school plans. In the second semester practical seminars are presented by guest speakers, alumni and counselors to prepare seniors for life after high school. Topics include: college schedules, dorm life and living on your own - with freedom comes responsibilities.
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