Failure to Prepare Is Preparation for Failure

It isn't a surprise to any of us adults that young people are being asked to start thinking about life after high school at an earlier age than we were, is it?  I sure didn't do any career planning in 8th grade back in 1984.  I was probably too busy enjoying my newest Men at Work record or learning how to roll my jeans.

But, now things are different. Our counselors start conversations with our students in upper elementary about planning for the future and setting goals, and they really start digging into post-high school thinking in 8th grade.  

The state of Iowa requires that all students have a four year plan on file, refresh it at least annually, and that parents approve of this plan.  Here at N-K we began this work well before the state made it a requirement, and our students certainly benefit from this pre-planning.

As a small school, we face a challenge--how do we offer the education each of our student's need, when their needs can be so different?  We have met this challenge head on, and offer a full and varied curriculum.  From vocational coursework in FCS, Ag, Business, or Industrial Tech to the fine arts to multiple levels of course offerings in the core areas, Northwood-Kensett provides an education I'd stack up against a bigger school any day.

And in those areas where our older students need even more courses than we can provide on site, our instructional technology provides instant access to numerous college courses.  Or, students can spend half their day at NIACC earning a degree in the automotive industry along with a high school diploma, for example.

With all of these opportunities available throughout high school, you can see why careful planning starting in 8th grade becomes important.  And because our goals change as we get older, we re-visit those plans at least once a year with students.  I remember when I was once a biology major in college, before changing my goal to instead become an English teacher.  I'm sure you've experienced similar changes in your adult life.

During registration season at N-K, which occurs right now, start a conversation with your student about the courses they plan on pursuing, and ask them, "Why?"  Learn more about their goals, help shape and guide them through your influence as an important adult in their life.  These are important decisions.