The School Year is Flying By: A Guide for Parents

The first quarter grades are in or will be soon. If your child did well, celebrating their success is a great idea. Acknowledging a job well done, no matter how small, teaches them that hard work is valued. This can translate to future success in the workforce through bonuses, awards, or promotions. If your child is struggling, the time to act is now.

Steps to Take if Your Child's Grades Are Slipping:

• Schedule a meeting with their teacher.
  Discuss specific areas of concern and potential solutions.

• Ask about tutoring options.
  See if the school offers free tutoring or if the teacher can recommend a local tutor.

• Talk to your child.
  Ask them how you can best support them. They may have ideas you haven't considered.

High School Seniors: Next Steps
The final year of high school is a busy one. Here’s a checklist to help your seniors stay on track based on their post-graduation plans.

For Students Planning to Attend a 4-Year College:

• Complete the Common Application essay.
  This is a critical piece of their application.

• Finalize their list of colleges.
  Make sure they've researched their top choices.

• Confirm letters of recommendation.
  Ensure all required letters have been submitted to the school's platform.

• Maintain strong grades.
  Colleges will review their final transcript.

• Communicate with their high school counselor.
  Counselors are a valuable resource for navigating the college application process.

For Students Planning to Attend a 2-Year Community College:

• Communicate with their high school counselor or career advisor.
  They can help with the transition.

• Connect with their local community college.
  Stay informed about application deadlines and orientation dates.

• Keep their grades up.
  A strong academic record is always a benefit.

For Students Considering a Gap Year:
Taking a gap year can be a great option for personal growth and exploration. Here are some resources to get them started:

• Gap Year Association

• CareerOneStop

For Students Interested in the Military
A career in the military can offer incredible opportunities. Here are some key steps for students preparing for a military career.

• Review military requirements.
  Check out the requirements at this link: USA.gov Military Requirements.

• Focus on academic excellence.
  A strong academic record is crucial, especially for military academies and officer programs.

• Build leadership skills.
  Participate in extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, or JROTC to develop teamwork and leadership.

• Prioritize physical fitness.
  Start an exercise routine now, as physical training is a core part of military life.

• Do your research.
  Explore different branches, career fields, and roles to find the best fit.

• Talk to military personnel.
  Get firsthand insights by speaking with recruiters, veterans, and active-duty members.

• Think long-term.
  Consider how military service aligns with their future goals.

• Stay out of trouble.
  A clean legal record is essential.