Your Future, Our Focus
EMS ISD Students and Parents have Choices to Ensure Post-Graduation Success
Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD is dedicated to providing students with opportunities for success, no matter their path after graduation. With a range of advanced academic programs and career-focused options, the district strives to ensure every student can pursue their passions, interests and goals.
This summer and fall, EMS ISD celebrated two National Merit Semi-Finalists, nine AP Capstone Graduates, and six students earning AP Seminar and Research Certificates. These achievements highlight the district’s commitment to academic excellence and personalized learning.
Dr. John Fahey, Director of College, Career & Military Readiness (CCMR), credits these successes to the variety of advanced academic opportunities the district provides.
“At Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD, we believe in providing a holistic education with a strategic approach that allows students to be challenged and excel in their passions,” he said.
“Our Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses offer students the chance to earn college credit while sharpening the skills they need to thrive in higher education,” he continued, adding that EMS ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs also equip students with practical, in-demand skills that help them stand out in the job market. Fahey noted, “Our CTE programs provide hands-on experiences that prepare students for careers in high-demand fields, while our JROTC program develops leadership, discipline, and civic responsibility – traits that are valuable no matter what path students choose.”
Fahey, who has spent over a decade in the district, believes that the key to EMS ISD’s success is ongoing collaboration and engagement with all stakeholders.
“Our district thrives on input from students, staff, parents, and the community,” he explained. “It’s not something you find everywhere, and it’s what allows us to keep moving forward.”
One of the district’s most powerful tools for student success is SchooLinks, a comprehensive college and career platform. Through SchooLinks, students can explore potential careers, plan their academic journeys, and apply to colleges and scholarships. But the platform isn’t just for students; it also offers parents an important role in the process.
Mark Hard, EMS ISD Director of Counseling and Campus Support, shared how SchooLinks helps parents stay involved in their child’s planning.
“With the parent observer account, families can monitor their child’s schedule, course selections, and even track which colleges and scholarships they’ve applied for,” Hard said. “It’s an essential tool for helping families stay connected and engaged in the student’s path to post-graduation success.”
As a first-generation college student, Hard has a personal passion for guiding students through this important process.
“I know what it’s like to be unsure about the next steps, especially when your family wants to help but doesn’t always know how,” he shared. “Helping students and families who don’t have all the answers is something that gives me a sense of fulfillment.”
He emphasizes that planning for the future is an ongoing process, and that it’s okay for students to adjust their goals as they grow. “It’s never too early to start thinking about the future. Your plans might change, and that’s perfectly fine. What’s important is to get the ball rolling,” he encouraged.
As EMS ISD continues to grow, the district remains committed to ensuring that every student has the support and resources they need to succeed. Fahey echoed Hard’s message, urging students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.
“We want all our students to be college, career, or military-ready by the time they graduate,” he added. “Our students are learning in a rapidly changing world, and the skills they develop now will help them adapt, thrive, and make a difference in whatever they choose to do. It takes dedication and a willingness to learn, but with the resources we provide, they can achieve their goals.”
