Why is this checklist so important, and why should we start using it now?

High school can feel like a whirlwind of classes, activities, and social development. Without a clear framework, it's easy for students to lose sight of the long-term goals. The Graduation Checklist addresses this by:

• Providing Clarity and Reducing Anxiety: It breaks down the often-overwhelming journey of high school into manageable steps. Knowing exactly what's expected can reduce stress for both students and parents.

• Fostering Proactive Planning: Instead of reacting to deadlines, the checklist encourages proactive planning. 

• Ensuring All Pathways Are Explored: Our goal is for every graduate to have a clear post-secondary plan. The checklist isn't solely focused on one direction, it explicitly includes considerations for many avenues, prompting conversations about different career paths early on.

• Building Essential Skills: Beyond academics, the checklist often includes elements that encourage the development of critical life skills such as time management, goal setting, responsibility, and self-advocacy.

• Empowering You as a Partner: This checklist is designed to be a collaborative tool. It provides you with clear information to support you, ask informed questions, and celebrate milestones together.

We encourage you to view this checklist not as a rigid set of rules, but as a living document to be reviewed and discussed regularly with your child. Here’s how we recommend you use it:

1. Start Early (and Keep it Ongoing): We recommend reviewing the checklist at the beginning of each school year, ideally starting in 9th grade. This sets the stage and allows for long-range planning. However, it's never too late to start!

2. Make it a Regular Conversation: Schedule brief, regular check-ins (e.g., once a quarter) to discuss progress. Ask:

   • "What courses are you taking this year, and how do they align with your post-graduation goals?"

   • "Are there any extracurricular activities or volunteer opportunities that would strengthen your resume or college applications?"

   • "What steps have you taken towards researching colleges, technical schools, or career options?"

   • "Have you thought about what skills you'll need for your desired path?"

3. Collaborate with School Staff: Our guidance counselors are experts in navigating these pathways. They can help interpret the checklist, provide personalized advice, and connect your student with resources. Don't hesitate to schedule appointments with them throughout high school.

4. Tailor it to Your Aspirations: While the checklist provides a general framework, help your child personalize it based on their evolving interests. If they are considering the military, for example, ensure they are aware of physical fitness requirements and ASVAB preparation. If employment after high school is the goal, focus on career pathways, internships, and resume building.

5. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate progress along the way. Completing a challenging course, acing a standardized test, or securing a volunteer position are all steps towards their future.

6. Utilize School Resources: Our school offers a wealth of resources, including college and career fairs, workshops on financial aid, resume writing assistance, and opportunities to connect with military recruiters. The checklist will often point you in the right direction.