Prior to lesson, please have students vote for Student Council if they haven't already with the link below:

Student Council Ballot 

Grade 9-11 

Topic: Commencement Video  and Generating good will for graduating seniors. 

Objective: Students will  spend time writing an encouraging note to a graduating senior.

ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors Standard (s): B-SS 2: Create positive and supportive relationships with other students. 

Materials:

• • • Video (scroll to bottom)

    • Graduation Cards or Advice Cards, these can be found by the mailboxes. Take what you need.

Procedures:

1.   Watch Commencement Video  (scroll to bottom)

2. Tell 9th – 11th grade students that the goal today is to share a positive sentiment with a graduating senior. 

• • • • • • • Students can write to any senior they want to (make sure they put their full name), or they can write a generic note that could go to any senior

            • Students do not need to sign their names on the cards, but they may do so if they want to

3. Show the examples (below), if needed.

4. Pass out cards. 

5. Collect cards. Read them to ensure appropriateness after Connections is over. 

6. Turn completed cards into counselor's mailbox. 

Sample Graduation Notes (**NOTE- if personalized please include First & Last Name of graduate somewhere on the card!)

Personal Example

Dear John,

Congratulations on your graduation! Best of luck to you next year at Iowa State! Thanks for getting me to go out for soccer. Hope to see you around this summer!

Good luck,

Alicia

Generic Example:

Dear Graduate, 

Good job graduating! I hope you have fun next year at college/work. Best wishes to you for a successful future. Good luck and Congratulations!