GRADUATION GOALS |

Dr. Ed Barnwell, Principal, Kendrick High School, Muscogee County School District, Columbus, Georgia, involves his students in a unique program, the Graduation Coach initiative, to enhance the educational experience. Activities are designed to increase school attendance, improve learning, encourage personal and social growth and increase employability skills. The staff and faculty are focused on helping to meet both students' academic and human service needs.

Student initiatives that will ensure success as adolescents transition from middle to high school are highlighted below for parents and students alike.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Spring of 8th grade year -- develop your high school four-year plan with your counselor, paying special attention to math classes

Parents -- be involved in your student's plan!

Every time you take a standardized test, discuss the results with your counselor

Bluild a solid base for both academics and extracurricular activities -- what you do in high school directly impacts where you can go to college

Summer school is an opportunity for credit recovery and to get ahead

RECOMMENDED OPPORTUNITIES FOLLOW FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AS STUDENTS LEARN FOR LIFE AND ENDEAVOR TO ENHANCE THEIR SECONDARY EDUCATION

FRESHMAN YEAR

Know your course descriptions; know your counselor!

Finalize your four-year plan -- discuss it with your parents

Complete Algebra 1 (Math 1 or Accelerated Math 1 beginning l2008-2009 academic year)

Take PE/Health

Join clubs and organizations in school and seek leadership opportunities

Explore National Honor Society requirements and Who's Who Among American High School Students

Begin thinking about college -- explore their websites, including GaCollege411

Consider joining JROTC

Take Practice Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) for practice only

Explore end of course testing (EOCT) and Georgia high school graduation test (GHSGT) requirements at Kendrick High

Find out about grade point average (GPA) and how it affects you; e.g. the HOPE Scholarship

Think "Junior Year!"

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Meet with your counselor and re-evaluate your four-year plan

Check your GPA

Take Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors (H) classes

Complete Geometry (Math 2 or Accelerated Math 2 effective 2008-2009 academic year)

Study for the SAT (formerly Scholastic Aptitude Test) and/or the American College Test (ACT)

Take the PSAT

If you want to attend a military academy, request materials and start planning now

Investigate careers

Think more about what type of college you plan to attend

Consider community colleges as an option

Determine the residency requirements for the college you plan to attend

Do well on EOCTs

If you work, ensure that it does not affect your grades

Prepare for college application fees and exam fees. Funds are available -- just ask your counselor

Think "Senior Year!"

JUNIOR YEAR

ALL YEAR

Meet with your counselor and re-evaluate your four-year plan

Continue to take AP classes and AP exams

Complete Algebra 2 (Math 3 or Accelerated Math 3 effective 08-09 academic year)

Enroll in college courses after ensuring credits will transfer to your potential university

Continue checking college websites; request college brochures and catalogs

Visit colleges, in person or online. Kendrick High offers days off for college visits. Virtual tours are also available for most universities.

FALL

Check your GPA and determine class rank

Take the GHSGT, Georgia's exit exam

Take PSAT and National Merit Qualifying Exam

Take SAT and ACT exams

Check out competitive programs (e.g. Who's Who Among American High School Students and National Honor Society)

Application process begins for military academies

Write first draft of resume, including classes, volunteer work, and hobbies. Ask a counselor or an English teacher to evaluate it

If you hope to qualify for an athletic scholarship, visit with the coaches at the potential college

SPRING

Explore JROTC scholarships for college

Think "College applications need to be in the mail in OCTOBER!"

Request college admissions materials for early admission

Ask about scholarships and deadlines

SUMMER

If you have not taken the SAT or the ACT, do so

Does the college you plan to attend have a summer reading list?

Enroll in college courses after ensuring credits will transfer to your potential university

Visit colleges; schedule appointments with the Admissions Office and the Financial Aid Office; visit the department in which you plan to major

Does your college have interviews/auditions?

Job Shadow and explore your career; get a recommendation from your supervisor

Plan for potential purchase of a computer since some colleges require students to have their own computer

Sponsors

SENIOR YEAR

FALL

Meet with your counselor and re-evaluate your four-year plan to ensure you are on track for graduation

Schedule a meeting with counselor, parents and yourself to plan senior year

Build a final resume and have it checked by counselor and two teachers

Request official transcripts early in fall

OCTOBER

Complete and mail application to your first choice colleges

Check your GPA and determine class rank

Take advanced math classes such as Calculus (Math 4 or a higher level math effective 08-09 academic year)

Continue to take AP and H classes

Do you have any applications that need to be reviewed by counselors?

Is an interview required for college? Set it up and practice. Ensure you highlight what makes you special

Finalize your college application essay

Check when Financial Aid applications are due. Suggest that your parents file their income tax forms in early January/February

NOVEMBER

Complete and mail application to your second choice colleges

Consider Work Study with college

DECEMBER

If your SAT/ACT score is marginal, take it again now!

Schedule second meeting with counselor, parents and yourself to check senior year plans

Talk with alumni and colleges about fraternities or sororities, if interested

Pay graduation fees

Early college decisions will be arriving

Check dual/concurrent enrollment for college

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Obtain free application for federal student aid (FAFFSA)

Ensure you've passed all portions of the GHSGT

Get on the waiting list for college housing, if appropriate