The following is a breakdown of what your focus should be for each of your four years at Thornton :
FRESHMAN YEAR
Study skills: learn how to study for your classes, improve note-taking, do homework, etc.
Time management: organize your routine for getting things done (school and home)
Prioritize: know when things are due (deadlines) and know what it is most important/urgent
Senior project: begin your responsibilities
Get involved: those involved in school activities tend to be more successful academically
Motivation: Focus on how to self-motivate to continue your efforts and persistence
Career Plan: Begin thinking about a career choice, choose electives accordingly
Self Analysis: know your GPA, grades, log what you do, keep to a calendar, etc.
Self-Discipline: in your actions, mannerisms, work ethic, etc.
Summer Programs: consider summer activities to build your resume and experience
Typical Classes: English I, Algebra I, Biology, Ancient World History, PE I/Health, Elective, Elective
SOPHOMORE YEAR (continue above, plus...)
College Research: know the requirements to get in your choice of college and get/stay on track
Career/College Fair Visits: get deeper into exploring these areas firsthand, follow what you enjoy and are passionate about
Recovery Needs: take care of any recovery needs to stay on track for graduation
Leadership Opportunities: find ways to develop your leadership skills
Volunteer: find ways to get involved in the community, gain experience, boost your resume
Half Cap Ceremony: stay on track with graduation and participate in the Half Cap ceremony
Typical Classes: English II, Geometry, Chemistry, Economics/Speech, PE II, Elective, Elective
JUNIOR YEAR (continue above, plus...)
PSAE/ACT Preparation: help raise your testing scores by prepping for the test, it helps your college application
College Research: begin narrowing down your choices that best fit your needs/liking
College Scholarship Search: begin gathering scholarships you would qualify for in a binder, to have ready to apply for next year
Constitution Test: prep for the constitution test you will take in US History (required to pass)
Teacher Connections: build relationships with teachers, they will be your writing your recommendations for college applications and scholarships!
Credentials: remember this is your last year to improve your GPA, and add activities to your resume for your application (which is submitted next Fall)!
Typical Classes: English III, Algebra 2, Physics, US History, PE III, Elective
SENIOR YEAR (continue above, plus...)
College Applications: begin completing applications, go over essays with a teacher if needed
Scholarship Applications: begin completing applications, go over essays
Complete Senior Project: ensure all is completed and submitted
Financial Aid/FAFSA: complete the FAFSA for federal financial aid, this is required
ACT: enroll for ACT in the Fall if you missed PSAE/ACT last year
PSAE: enroll for PSAE in Spring if you missed PSAE last year
Maintain Grades: colleges can revoke an acceptance if grades are not maintained!!!!
Final Transcript: fill out form to send your final transcript to your final choice for college
Give Back: use your leadership to improve school programs and activities before you leave!
Typical Classes: English IV, 4th Math, PE IV, Elective, Elective, Elective
