Attention Parents/Guardians:
Whether you, the teacher, or the counselor have initiated a conference to discuss academic concerns, we encourage you to use the following checklist to help you prepare for the meeting.
Week of August 31:
The high school years fly by! Before you know it, graduation will be here. Now is a great time to talk with your teen about their plans after high school. Do they see themselves attending college, learning a trade, joining the military, or entering the workforce? Having regular conversations about their interests, strengths, and future goals can help them feel more confident and prepared for what comes next. There are many helpful college and career planning resources available in the Counseling section of the CHHS website and through your child's SchooLinks account, where students can explore careers, colleges, scholarships, and post-secondary opportunities that align with their interests and goals.
If your student has questions or would like additional support exploring their options, they are always welcome to schedule an appointment with their high school counselor.
Week of September 7:
Many clubs have already held their first meeting of the school year, but it's not too late for your teen to get involved! Encourage your high schooler to explore the Clubs & Activities list on our website. Participating in clubs and extra curricular activities, is a great way for students to discover new interests, develop leadership and social skills, serve their community, and build connections with peers who share similar interests and goals.
Family Challenge: After dinner, spend 5 minutes browsing the Clubs & Activities page together and have your student pick one club they'd like to check out and learn more about. 💚
Week of September 14:
Morning struggles happen! A few simple routines can help your high schooler start the day with less stress and get to school on time.
Try these ideas:
🎒 Prep the night before: Pack the backpack, charge devices, and lay out clothes. This is a big time saver in the morning!
⏰ Work backward: Know what time your student needs to leave to be on time, and plan the morning from there.
📱 Reduce distractions: Encourage your teen to hold off on screen use and distractions so they don't get behind schedule.
🚗 Build in extra time: If your student is a car rider, aim to leave 10–15 minutes earlier than planned for potential traffic delays.
✅ Keep the routine consistent: The same basic bedtime and morning routine each school day can make getting out the door easier.
Family conversation starter: "What is one thing that usually slows you down in the morning, and what could we change to make it easier?"
Week of September 21:
Good habits are built one small step at a time. Encourage your teen to choose one simple habit to practice consistently before adding another. Small changes can grow into routines that last from high school into college and career.
Family conversation starter: "What's one small habit you could start this week that would make school or life a little easier?" Start small. Be consistent. Celebrate progress! 💚
Week of September 28:
If college is part of your student’s future plans, BigFuture’s College Planning Timelines can help you and your student understand what to focus on at each grade level. You can find links to the timelines on our school website under College & Career Planning:
9th and 10th Grade College Planning Timeline
Week of October 5:
A day here and there can add up! Check your teen’s attendance regularly and talk about any patterns you notice. Staying on top of absences helps students stay connected to their classes, keep up with their work, and stay on track toward graduation. Check your teen's attendance regularly and address unexpected absences early.
Family Conversation Starter: Ask your teen about any missed classes and remind them to make up their missed work in a timely manner. Encourage them to connect with their teachers about their missed work, tests, or quizzes that need to be made up.
Every school day matters! 🎓
Week of October 12:
Junior Senior Parents: Taking a family road trip over Fall Break? Consider including a college campus visit along the way! Whenever the time is right for your family, here are a few resources to help you plan for college campus tours:
How to Make Great College Visits (Video from Big Future/College Board)
Parents Guide to College Visits: How to Plan, What to Ask, and What to Look For
Week of October 19:
As the seasons change and temperatures begin to fluctuate, it's common for students to experience colds, allergies, and other seasonal illnesses. Help your high schooler stay healthy by encouraging good sleep habits, staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, dressing appropriately for the weather, and washing hands regularly. If your student is feeling unwell, please monitor their symptoms and follow school attendance guidelines.
Did You Know? By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.
Family Wellness Challenge: This week, challenge your family to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, drink more water, and try to enjoy one healthy meal together each day. Small healthy habits can boost energy, strengthen immune systems, and help students stay focused and ready to learn each day. Plus, when families make healthy choices together, everyone benefits!
Week of October 26:
Looking for guidance on post-secondary planning? Our counselors have compiled a variety of helpful college and career planning resources on our school's website, and there are many additional tools available through trusted platforms like BigFuture. We encourage families to explore the Family Guide: Their Future, Their Fit, which offers practical information and planning tips. There's even a companion guide designed specifically for the student, making it easy for families to learn and plan together.