If you are an adult and had the chance to go back and give your younger self advice, what would be on your list? I grew up in the 80’s so it would likely be avoiding that mullet haircut. You might have thought to choose different friends, listen to your parents more, or invest in Apple? Seriously though, one thing I would encourage my younger self:
“Use my high school years more wisely to prepare myself for life beyond graduation.”
MAP THEIR FUTURE
We want for Wylie ISD graduates to reflect on high school as some incredible years that prepared them for a prosperous life after they received a diploma. We want part of that enjoyment to include preparing our students to develop a map for their future career or foundation for college. (hopefully both!)
We ask every Wylie ISD 8th grade student to Map Their Future by choosing from a TON of “Career Experiences” they will pursue during high school. Career experiences are simply a list of courses students will take over their 4 years that will introduce them to the career and perhaps earn college credit and/or certification along the way. Click on the video above to learn more.
MY ADVICE AS SUPERINTENDENT AND DAD
If you are currently an 8th grade parent, I have a kid the same age and will be experiencing this with you. I feel your pain! As a school administrator and dad, here is what I have learned:
Don’t Stress! – Parents and students sometimes find this process a bit stressful. Don’t stress, we are simply asking your student to test drive their future by exploring a career. If a high school student doesn’t like their career experience choice, we give them a chance to change their pathway.
Get Your Kid Involved! – Students involved in extra-curricular activities achieve more, have better grades, come to school more often and have less discipline referrals than those who don’t. We want our kids to have the full high school experience while pursuing their career pathway. Our kid’s schedules have plenty of room and we encourage parents to sign them up for both!
Ask Questions and Use our Website! – We have great folks to help you, lots of information to guide you and an open door policy that will give you access to both.
For general questions, use our district counseling website. Click on the link below to take you there.
http://www.wylieisd.net/counseling
Click on this link to access our district #ihaveaplanwisd planning guide:
If you are not an 8th grade parent yet, I encourage you to begin talking with your child about what they want to do when they grow up and help them map their future with us. 8th grade will get here before you know it!
Helping your kids map their future, it’s a scientifically proven method to increase hope and happiness and all part of the Wylie Way!
