Before the Bell Rings: Summer Steps Toward a Great School Year
Relax, recharge, and take small steps now to support your student’s future success. Explore a few back-to-school details today and make this summer count.
Summer Still Matters
It's still summertime, and most of us don’t want to think about back‑to‑school anything. Yet, while we can ignore the inevitable, we can also strategize and enjoy the rest of the summer while quietly taking care of a few back‑to‑school details.
Students and parents or guardians are partners with educators, counselors, and administrators in helping each student reach their full potential and prepare for life after high school.
When Should We Start Thinking About Life After High School?
Some say junior or senior year. Others say eighth grade. But is it ever too early to plan and prepare for the future?
Some people say “yes”; others “no.” I believe it’s never too early to plan for the future. What matters most is that rising freshmen earn the best grades they can and take advantage of the opportunities their high school offers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes Employment Projections (2024–2034) that outline hundreds of occupational fields, education requirements, and growth trends. Reviewing this data can help families guide their children as they explore interests and emerging career paths.
As I often say on the Time Matters Podcast, how you spend your time matters. Here’s why:
Attendance in school correlates with attendance in college classes, apprenticeships, and the workforce.
Participation in school activities connects to involvement in higher‑education or career opportunities.
Volunteering, babysitting, or part‑time work builds civic engagement and a strong work ethic.
Building Strong Foundations
The transition to high school can be challenging, but the classes and grades earned now form the foundation for future coursework — including prerequisites for careers that may not even exist yet.
And yes, those foundational skills from elementary and middle school matter too. They’re the building blocks for success in high school and beyond.
Resources to Explore
Here are a few tools families can explore to help K‑12 students discover career interests and college pathways. The Virginia Department of Education offers many of these resources:
Career Cluster Survey
CollegeBoard.org
Virginia Education Wizard
Virginia Career View
Schoolinks, Naviance, etc.
Khan Academy
SOLPass
Keep Learning, Keep Listening
For additional tips and insights from professionals across industries, follow the Time Matters Podcast on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, and iHeart, and listen for practical ideas you can use today.
A Final Thought
Enjoy the rest of your summer — and plan to attend your child’s school open house. Mark it now and take that important step toward an awesome 2026–2027 school year!
