Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we enter this festive season, I hope you find time to reflect on the many opportunities and challenges your students have embraced this year. December is a time to pause, celebrate progress, and prepare for the exciting months ahead.
For Our Senior Families
Navigating senior year brings its own set of joys and challenges. Our seniors are preparing to take flight, and that can be both thrilling and daunting for us as parents. It’s natural to worry about whether they’re ready, but it’s also essential to give them the freedom to explore their path.
Sometimes, we need to ask ourselves: Are we holding them back from an opportunity because we’re not ready to let go? Growth requires risk, and our seniors may need encouragement to spread their wings. Whether they are exploring colleges, careers, or other post-graduation options, I always strive to present a variety of pathways—some they may not have considered—and help them see how to make those dreams a reality.
Coming off the Thanksgiving season, let’s practice gratitude for the opportunities our students have before them. Whether their choice is close to home or far away, let’s empower them to own their decisions. Remember, my door is always open to help answer questions, provide support, or guide your family through this exciting chapter.
For Our Juniors and Their Families
January will kick off a critical time for juniors as they begin their journey toward college and career readiness. Here’s how parents can help their students prepare:
What to Expect in January
Junior College Counseling Meetings: We’ll dive into interests, goals, and college/career planning.
SAT/ACT Planning: Discuss timelines and test prep strategies.
Building College Lists: Exploring schools that align with academic, social, and financial fit.
Exploring Careers: Identifying fields of interest and potential career paths.
Encouraging Extracurriculars: Building a well-rounded portfolio for applications.
How Parents Can Support
Foster open conversations about their aspirations.
Encourage them to research colleges and careers over the break.
Discuss financial realities and budgeting for college.
Help them reflect on what environment will help them thrive academically and personally.
For Our Sophomore and Freshman Families
This is the time to build resilience. Academic rigor isn’t just about taking hard classes—it’s about learning how to persevere when things get tough. As parents, it’s tempting to shield our children from challenges, but struggles can help them grow into resourceful, capable adults.
Fostering Resilience at Home
Encourage Problem-Solving: Let them try to solve their own academic or social challenges before stepping in.
Model Positive Responses to Failure: Share stories of how you overcame difficulties in your own life.
Celebrate Effort Over Perfection: Highlight progress rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
Teach Balance: Help them understand the importance of managing academics, extracurriculars, and downtime.
Parent Support
Parenting in today’s world isn’t easy, but there are resources to help. Look into workshops, books, or local groups that address raising resilient and well-rounded students. Resilience will serve your student well in college and beyond, helping them adapt to life’s inevitable ups and downs.
Closing Thoughts
December is a time for reflection. Let’s cherish the growth we’ve seen in our students this year and prepare for what’s to come. If you have questions or need guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, opportunities, and success.
Warm regards,
Shannon Roy
College Counselor, First Baptist School
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