Year-End To-Do List
Avoid September stress
The end of the school year is the perfect time to take steps to avoid September stress. Here are some easy steps that help ensure a smooth transition in the fall—and put your mind at ease this summer.
1. Send in transcripts and forms
- Send students' transcripts to colleges, universities, and the NCAA Clearinghouse as needed.
- Complete SSD Student Eligibility Forms for College Board tests in the next academic year. (The ninth-grade Section 504 plan and IEP annual reviews offer an ideal time to complete SSD forms and thus set up each of those students for access to all College Board testing.)
2. Crack down on attendance
- Check for students who are in danger of losing course credit because of absences.
- Meet with these students for a pep talk; remind them that losing academic credit this year may mean schedule scrambling next September.
- Share important attendance pattern data with appropriate school personnel.
3. Take stock of your rising seniors
- Make sure your students have the course credits they need to (a) graduate and (b) get into the colleges of their choice.
- Create a list of rising seniors who are in danger of failing, or have attendance issues or other social/emotional difficulties that may impact their graduation.
- Check that student athletes are on track to meet the NCAA academic requirements in addition to the state and local academic requirements. See NCAA Clearinghouse Basics for more information.
4. Make an early decision/early action list
- Find out which of your juniors plan to apply to college early and will therefore have to meet application deadlines in early fall.
- Make a note in their folders to schedule a meeting with them soon after the new school year begins.
5. Identify students who will need special attention next year
- Mark the folders of new students or students with special circumstances such as IEP or Section 504 plans.
- Review report cards and identify students with failing grades, erratic attendance, or other problems.
6. Get feedback from your students
- Create an easy-to-answer questionnaire about your counseling services and ask your students to fill it out before the school year ends.
- Use the results to gain insight into what works (and what doesn't) and to give you fresh ideas for the fall.
7. Self-reflect
- Fold a piece of paper in half.
- On one side, list your successful programs, procedures, and techniques.
- On the other side, list areas that need work.
- Use the results to help you set goals for next year.
8. Organize your desk
- Clean up your files and paperwork. This will free up countless hours later when you really need them.
9. Plan summer learning and career activities
- Schedule summer visits to colleges and universities for tours and research.
- Look into professional development activities such as classes and workshops.
- Browse professional sites from home-most research and downloads are free
10. Make a to-do list for the fall
- List the five most important tasks that you need to accomplish during the first week of school.
- Post it where you will see it first thing upon your return from summer break.
11. Take some time for yourself
- Put your feet up, take a deep breath, and enjoy your summer vacation!