Announcements from Student Services

Freshmen: Building Your Foundation

You have survived your first year! Now is the time to solidify the habits that will carry you through to graduation.

• Don't Coast:It is easy to mentally check out when the weather gets nice, but your final grades impact your cumulative GPA. Keep turning in every assignment.
• Reflect on Your Year:Take 10 minutes to write down what worked for you and what didn’t. Did you struggle with time management in the first semester? Note it so you can adjust your strategy in the fall.
• Get Involved:If you haven’t joined a club or team yet, look into what’s happening next year. Now is the perfect time to reach out to club sponsors or coaches to ask how you can get involved as a sophomore.

Sophomores: Exploring and Consistency

You are officially in the "middle" of your high school journey. Use this time to explore your interests and maintain your academic trajectory.

• Maintain Academic Momentum:College admissions officers look for an "upward trend." Even if your freshman year wasn't perfect, finishing your sophomore year with strong grades shows maturity and growth.
• Curate Your Electives:Review your course requests for next year. Are you taking classes that genuinely interest you, or just what is easy? Use these weeks to talk to teachers about what to expect in higher-level courses next year.
• Start Career Exploration:You don’t need a five-year plan, but you should explore. Use tools like Naviance or simple internet research to look into careers that align with the subjects you enjoy most this year.

Juniors: The "Critical" Quarter

For juniors, this is arguably the most important academic quarter of your high school career. Your grades here go directly on your transcript for college applications.

• Prioritize the Big Three:If you are planning for college, your focus should be on your GPA, your standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and researching your post-secondary options.
• Deep Dive into Research:Don't just browse colleges; build a "balanced" list (reach, target, and likely schools). If you haven't visited any campuses, try to schedule at least one or two virtual or in-person tours.
• Secure Recommendations:Think about which teachers know you best and have seen your best work. If you have a strong relationship with them, start thinking about who you might ask for letters of recommendation next fall.

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders

The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year. 

All students entering 7th gradeare required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
• To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
• To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old.
  • As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.

All students entering 12th gradeare to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY)prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older. 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Seniors: The "Finish Strong" Strategy

You are in the homestretch. The finish line is in sight, but remember that your acceptance letters are usually contingent on your final transcript.

• Avoid "Senioritis":Most colleges reserve the right to rescind an offer if your grades drop significantly in the final quarter. Do not let your GPA slide; keep submitting your work.
• Final Exam Preparation:Many seniors have "senior skip days" or end-of-year events. Don’t let social events interfere with your exam prep. Your final exams still carry weight in your grade book.
• Administrative Cleanup:Ensure all your final tasks—returning library books, paying fees, submitting final college decision forms, and completing your FAFSA/financial aid steps—are squared away.
• Enjoy the Moments:You are graduating soon. While maintaining focus is key, make sure you take the time to appreciate your final days with your friends and teachers.

• Communicate with Teachers:If your grade is on the bubble, go to office hours now . Do not wait until the last week of school to ask for help or extra credit.
• Prioritize Sleep:It sounds simple, but as the school year winds down, fatigue sets in. A well-rested brain performs better on final exams than a sleep-deprived one.
• Clean Your Digital & Physical Space:Clear out your folders, delete unnecessary files from your school account, and organize your binders. Starting the summer with a clean slate helps you feel accomplished and ready for the break.