Working with High School Families

Actively partnering with high school families can significantly boost students’ success, which leads to better academic performance, college readiness, and mental well-being. When families stay engaged—whether in person or from home—students are more likely to stay motivated, plan for their futures, and learn essential life skills.

Attendance and Timeliness

  • Importance of Attendance: Explain how chronic absenteeism can reduce scholarship opportunities and hinder students from completing required credits. 
  • Addressing Tardiness: Remind families that punctuality is a life skill. Encourage discussions about how arriving late to class mirrors workplace expectations, reinforcing the importance of professionalism.
  • Clarify School Policies: Many high schools have strict attendance policies. Encourage families to stay informed about their students’ attendance and how it can affect graduation requirements.

Family Engagement and Communication

  • Career and College Conversations: Suggest that families talk regularly with students about their post-graduation plans, whether college, technical school, military service, or workforce entry.
  • Support Independence: While high schoolers desire independence, parental involvement is still essential. Parents should continue to offer guidance and structure. 
  • Use Technology Wisely: Recommend using digital planning tools for tracking assignments, scholarship deadlines, and college applications.

Sleep and Well-being

  • Educate on Sleep’s Impact: Teens often sacrifice sleep for homework, social media, or jobs. Reinforce the importance of getting 8-10 hours of sleep to increase focus and academic performance. 
  • Promote Stress Management Techniques: High school can be stressful. Families can help by encouraging activities that manage stress and discussing healthy coping strategies.

Addressing Anxiety and Emotional Support

  • Recognizing Burnout: The stress of academics and social situations can lead to student burnout. Encourage families to check in with their teens in a supportive manner, creating a space for open conversation.
  • Mental Health Resources: Families should know how to reach school counselors, find community-based support programs, and advocate for their students’ mental health needs.

General Tips for High School Success

  • Emphasize Time Management and Life Skills: High school is the bridge to adulthood. Encourage families to teach essential life skills like budgeting, organization, and self-discipline.
  • Limit Social Media Before Exams: Digital distractions can hinder focus. Suggest creating tech-free student zones or scheduled downtime for better learning.
  • Encourage Meaningful Extracurriculars: Participating in school activities enriches college applications, builds skills, and fosters social connections.

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