Getting Ready for High School
Your student is entering high school in just a few weeks. This is a good time to check out topics you’ve missed or revisit those you meant to follow up on but haven’t had a chance. Here’s what we’ve shared so far.
Making the Connection Between Middle School and High School
Grades will start to count toward high school GPA with the beginning of ninth grade. Your student’s GPA will play a role in the type of education or training your student will consider after high school, qualifying for academic scholarships and even, indirectly, a future standard of living. (Jan. Article One on your personal dashboard)
Absence Does Not Make the School’s Heart Grow Fonder
School attendance plays a large role in academic success. Your student should be prepared to show up and do the work in high school to avoid absenteeism. (Jan. Article Two on your personal dashboard)
Summer Camps Offer Exploration
Summer break is a great time to explore college campuses and career options through summer camps. Your student can learn to live in a community, develop skills and explore careers. (Feb. Article One on your personal dashboard)
Make Time for Healthy Habits
Your student’s physical and mental well-being are important to support academic success. As your student’s schedule fills up, health can take a backseat. As a parent, you play an integral role in helping your student maintain good health and seek assistance when needed. (Feb. Article Two on your personal dashboard)
Plan for High School Courses
The right plan for next year can make all the difference over the four years of high school and your student’s ability to enter his or her preferred training or education program after high school. (Mar. Article One on your personal dashboard)
Saving for the Future
Learning ways to save money teaches your student how to be financially responsible and how to delay gratification. Your student may be able to start earning money to save for future expenses. (Mar. Article Two on your personal dashboard)
Making a Four-Year Academic Plan
Different academic options will be available to your student throughout high school, including the opportunity to earn college credit—at no or greatly reduced cost—before receiving that high school diploma. Help your student make a plan that suits his or her interests and goals. (Apr. Article One on your personal dashboard)
Create a Summer Reading List
Reading helps your student retain previous learning and expand knowledge. Your student can choose the reading material and format he or she likes best while reading for enjoyment over the summer. (Apr. Article Two on your personal dashboard)
Seeking Employment
Working has many benefits for teens, including earnings to offset daily spending and to save for future college or other expenses. Your student may also learn about potential careers and gain independence by finding and working a job. (May Article One on your personal dashboard)
Exploring Options After High School
Different types of careers require different types of preparation, beginning as early as ninth grade. Your student should be starting to explore possible careers and match them with high school courses and activities. (May Article Two on your personal dashboard)
Understanding STEM Careers and Incomes
The increasing focus on careers in science, math, engineering and technology fields could mean a high-paying career—and a large return on an investment in education or training—for your student. Because advanced STEM classes often have a set progression, early planning and exploration is key. (Jun. Article One on your personal dashboard)
Next Steps
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Additional references, handouts and talking points are available in the right sidebar to use at your leisure. They may prove beneficial to reference now or after receiving future emails — we’ll leave it completely up to you. Use our emails like a recipe for a successful outcome — assemble the recommended ingredients and then follow accompanying directions to add flavor and depth.