College and Career

Readiness

FRCS emphasizes college and career readiness throughout middle and high school through a variety of

school counseling curriculum and activities. Samples are listed below. The Naviance web-based college

and career exploration system is an important element student’s learning.

College Planning

5th grade students participate in a multi lesson seminar called College Journey. Students learn about

college options, research colleges, and complete activities about what they would want in a college.

In 7th grade, students are introduced to Naviance and its college and career tools.

8th grade students have advisory once per cycle. Students learn about careers (interviews, resumes,

working papers, etc). They complete a four year high school plan by reviewing the course catalog

and learning about course progression, advanced classes, and prerequisites. A mini-series on college

applications, admissions, and planning using resources from MEFA is also completed.

In ninth and tenth grades, students participate in Achievement Teams. These teams discuss

transcripts and GPA, college fairs, standardized testing, career interests and academic skills.

Students also develop positive relationships and learn about learning in a diverse community.

In Junior Advising, students explore college and career options in detail by exploring college options

and completing a series of career exploration assessments. Naviance is used extensively. Students

complete a draft of the Common Application as a final project. Standardized tests, financial aid,

interviewing, and other topics related to making a college decision are also discussed. Guest

speakers explain their educational and professional development.

Senior Advising class focuses on finalizing college applications. College essays and resumes,

timelines, and prioritizing applications are topics. Seniors discuss the stress involved in college

admissions. Financial aid and scholarships are examined. Recent graduates are invited to talk about

their experiences in college. Committing to a college is a key topic and includes understanding and

comparing financial aid packages as well as college budgeting. As the year ends, a healthy transition

from high school to college are discussed. The final project is a College/Career Portfolio.

Students take the Pre-ACT in 10th grade, take the the PSAT in 10th and 11th grade, have a term of

SAT prep in 11th grade, and can take a free practice ACT or SAT in the spring of junior year.

Career Exploration

6th grade students participate in annual Career Fair. FRCS family and community volunteers present

their own career experience in an afternoon presentation. Students complete exercises before and

after the Fair to explore their career interests in greater detail.

8th grade students attend the Senior Independent Enrichment Career Project Presentations. Seniors

present their senior projects including career research, applications, and opportunities.

10th grade students experience a Career Interview Fair. Students receive lessons in interviewing and

professional dress, then have two mock interviews with professionals from the FRCS community.

In Career Connection, adult volunteers meet with students to discuss their education and career.

Job shadowing and internships are encouraged through lessons and experiential opportunities.

Naviance career information (surveys, videos, research, etc), along with the Massachusetts Career

Information System, are used throughout middle and high school.

Questions can be directed to Mr. Elsner, School Counselor Coordinator.