Parent Newsletter - May 29

We’ve made it through another school year! There were surely many ups and downs for the students, and it’s important to not only focus on academic achievements, but to also remember the lessons along the way. The resilience that was learned, the perseverance that was practiced and the growth that occurred. Your child may have fallen short of a grade goal, but maybe they learned how to bounce back from an unexpected illness throughout the year, navigated social conflicts, or learned how to ask for help. We celebrate all of these lessons learned, because they truly help shape us and prepare us for adulthood. We hope that the students all learned a little bit more about themselves and what they are capable of. We wish that all students take the break to relax, regroup and refocus on what’s next. Happy Summer!

Preparing for Senior Year: Summer To-Do List

As the school year ends, here are key steps to help you stay ahead on the college application process this summer:

Before Summer Break

• Ask for Letters of Recommendation and send your completed Teacher Letter of Recommendation Form to your teacher.

During Summer Break

• Finalize Your College List: Research and narrow your list of colleges based on factors like location, size, majors, cost, and campus culture. Use Naviance and college websites to help guide your search.
• Work on Your College Essay: Draft, revise, and refine your personal statement. The College Essay Guy also offers free Essay Boot Camps for extra support. 
• Create a Resume: Build a one-page resume that includes activities, work experience, volunteer work, awards, skills, and leadership roles. This will help with the college application and scholarship opportunities.   
• Complete the Common App:  
  • Before August 1: Students should complete core sections including Profile, Education, Testing, Activities, and Honors, and begin building their college list in the application.
  • After August 1 (when the Common App resets): Students should review and update their information, then complete college-specific questions and supplemental essays before submitting applications in the fall.
• Plan College Visits: Visit campuses when possible to get a feel for academic programs, campus life, and overall fit.