1. Academics: Keep your grades high and take challenging courses. Work hard to earn good grades in all classes. Attend daily and be on time for class.
2. Extracurriculars: Join clubs or sports. Aim for deep involvement and leadership roles.
3. Community Service: Volunteer regularly. Seek long-term opportunities.
4. Relationships: Build strong ties with teachers and mentors for guidance and recommendation letters.
5. Passions: Dive into personal interests or projects. Your passion may become your future.
6. Organization: Use a calendar and folders to keep track of assignments and deadlines.
7. Opportunities: Pay attention to emails and announcements to find out about amazing opportunities. Apply and participate in anything you're even a little interested in.
8. Communication and Emotional Intelligence: Work to improve the way you interact with your peers and adults. Participate in Advisement class so that you build a community of peers.
9. Be Authentic: Let your genuine self shine through in and out of school.

For Parents and Guardians: How to Support Your Child's Schoolwork

Students must earn credits for all graduation requirements in order to graduate. Talk with your child to make sure they understand that passing their current classes is key to graduating.

The most important thing for students and parents/guardians to do is stay in communication with teachers. Teachers see your child every other day and are the key to supporting their progress in courses. Call or email your child's teacher if you have a question about a course or assignment.

Log into your student's Infinite Campus Portal with them to look at their grades and attendance.

What do I do if my child does poorly in their classes?

Sometimes the transition to high school can be difficult. If your child fails some classes during the first semester, don't panic. They will be given the opportunity to make up those credits. Block off your family calendar for June of 2025 so that your child can participate in summer school credit recovery. You may need to provide more support and boundaries for your child to help them get back on track for second semester.

Social and Emotional Skills

For Students: How to Have a Great High School experience

• Pay attention to older students who seem to be doing well. Learn from them.
• Participate fully in your school events. Go to musicals, games, clubs, spend time with new friends, and join a few things.
• Engage fully in all of your classes, including Advisement. Learn the names of your classmates and find out about them.
• Get involved outside of school too. Dance, volunteer, babysit, work, or attend programs with older and younger neighbors.
• Meet with your school counselor if you or a friend is struggling with academics, social issues, or emotional difficulties.

For Parents and Guardians: How to Support Your Child's Mental Health

Supporting a teenager's social and emotional growth, especially in the context of social media and mental health, can be a challenging but crucial task for parents. Here are some of the best ways to support your child in these areas:

• Open Communication:
• • Create a safe and non-judgmental environment for your teenager to discuss their feelings and experiences.
  • Encourage them to talk about their online interactions, both positive and negative
• Educate Yourself:
  
• • Stay informed about the latest social media platforms and trends to better understand your teen's digital world.
  • Be aware of the potential risks and benefits of social media.
• Set Healthy Boundaries:
  
• • Collaboratively establish screen time limits and guidelines for the use of social media.
  • Teach responsible online behavior, including respecting privacy, avoiding cyberbullying, and verifying information.
• Be a Role Model:
  
• • Model positive online behavior and healthy tech use to set an example for your teen.
  • Show them that you can unplug and prioritize face-to-face interactions.
• Encourage Offline Activities:
  
• • Encourage your teenager to participate in extracurricular activities, sports, hobbies, and volunteering to balance their online and offline lives.
• Monitor Without Spying:
  
• • Respect your teen's privacy but monitor their online activity to ensure their safety.
  • Install monitoring apps or use built-in parental control features to track their online actions discreetly.
• Promote Self-Esteem:
  
• • Help your teen build self-confidence and self-worth to resist the negative influences of social media.
  • Celebrate their achievements and remind them that self-worth is not solely based on online validation.
• Protect Safety:
  
• • Be vigilant for signs of mental health issues, such as mood changes, social withdrawal, or academic problems.
  • Seek professional help if you notice significant changes in your teen's behavior. Do not ignore or dismiss warning signs.
  • Store guns outside the home. Lock up weapons and medication that your child may be able to access.
• Encourage a Balanced Lifestyle:
  
• • Set a routine that allows for adequate sleep and time for healthy activities.
  • Emphasize the importance of sleep, physical activity, and a balanced diet for their overall well-being.
• Support Positive Relationships:
• • Teach your teen to cultivate meaningful, offline friendships and maintain boundaries with online friends.
  • Encourage them to talk to you about any online interactions that make them uncomfortable.
• Seek Professional Help When Needed:
  
• • If you're concerned about your teen's mental health, don't hesitate to consult a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist.
  • Mental health professionals can provide valuable guidance and support.
• Stay Informed Together:
  
• • Stay up-to-date with the latest research and resources related to teen mental health and social media.
  • Share this information with your teen to empower them with knowledge.

Every teenager is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be flexible and adapt your approach to your teen's specific needs and challenges. Patience and empathy are key in supporting your child's social and emotional growth during this crucial phase of their life.