During this commencement season, I find it only fitting to address the fundamentals of arriving at an earth-shattering occasion such as graduation. Each year as I proudly lead my students into the graduation ceremony, I am filled with immense emotion. These emotions are positively overwhelming, and I can only imagine that parents are feeling an even greater form of bliss. While celebrating their successes, I cannot forget those students who are no longer a member of their graduating class. There are many circumstances that may prevent a child from graduating, but parents can intervene before their child misses out on this major milestone in life. A few small steps that will make a gigantic difference in receiving a diploma are:

1) Start preparing for graduation on the first day of high school.  Many urban students do not realize that their actions in the 9th grade could have the potential to affect their graduation four years down the line. High School is unlike middle school because each class counts towards their grade point average, credits required, and graduation requirements set in to place by the school district and the Department of Education. As a parent, meet with your child and their academic counselor during the first semester of high school. During this meeting, discuss test scores, set goals, and thoroughly study graduation requirements including grade point average. Grade point averages are calculated using each class over the four year high school term and this fact seems to elude many incoming freshman. Following up on goals and academic components alleviates any future surprises about missing requirements.

2) Make Contact. Reach out to each of your child’s teacher for periodical checkups on your child’s progress. Teachers love to hear from devoted parents, and creating an open line of communication will guarantee that you will be able to intervene and assist your child with trouble areas. Contact can be made through email or phone calls. During these semester chats, inquire about classroom activities, concerning behaviors, and academic needs of your child.

3) Review Grades & Credit Updates.  Your child’s grade point average and class credits are essential to graduating high school. Each state has created a threshold for student achievement and reviewing these elements during each term is important. Grades can be reviewed through progress reports, report cards, and guidance counselors. If for some reason your child never brings home a progress report or report card, contact the guidance office for a copy of this document.

Report cards will also feature credits obtained. If your child does not successfully complete a high school course, contact the teacher immediately, so that the three of you can create an action plan. Many schools offer free tutoring and dedicated teachers create time for extra help if requested. Attending tutoring or spending a little extra time on problem areas will increase student grades.

4) Mandate Attendance. Attending class should not be optional. Each student needs to be in class to learn. While contacting the teacher each term, request detailed information about attendance. Although you may be sending your child to class, they may not be arriving as you had planned. If you find that your child is not attending school, discuss the situation immediately and if necessary invest in spending a day or two sitting in their classes to ensure that they are in attendance.

5) Praise & Reward. Children need to be recognized for their accomplishments. These accomplishments can be large or small, but should not go without mention. Improving test scores, receiving an excellent score on a class project, or finishing up their first MLA essay are all worthy of praise. Let your child know that you appreciate all of their hard work. This can be done with simple statements such as, “Awesome project,” or, “I am so proud of you for pulling up your grades in science.”

In addition to verbal praise, rewards also show recognition. Paying for a new video game, cooking their favorite meal, or spending time completing an activity they enjoy, are memorable rewards for success. Remembering to praise and reward will motivate continued improvement throughout high school.

Each student and parent deserves to participate in graduation. Taking a proactive approach to attending high school will aid in successfully completing all of the requirements set into place. Be knowledgeable, follow up, and encourage your child from day one and he or she will be walking across that stage with no worries.