Why You Should Use Christmas Break to Organize Your Records

Rest. We all need it. But I know what you’re thinking...how can I rest when I’m wearing so many hats? You're homeschooling your children, preparing meals, cleaning, managing practice schedules, and chauffeuring. Where does rest fit into this madness? 

I know how you feel because I’ve been there, too. Thankfully just when the burnout starts to creep in, the semester comes to an end as we turn our attention to the Christmas season. This time of year is a perfect time to get organized. The moment the last assignment is completed you probably want to run from the school room and not look back for two to three weeks. Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to do this. I made this mistake and regretted it immensely in January. This post is to encourage you to set aside some time to catch up on record-keeping and plan for some upcoming events. 

Mid-Year Checklist

• Grade and record all assignments

• Update your transcript and add any ACT or SAT scores from tests taken in the fall

• Add volunteer hours to the transcript as well

• Consider Dual Enrollment for the spring semester

• Update your student’s course descriptions while it’s still fresh on your mind

• Consider having your student take a CLEP exam this fall

• If you have an upperclassman on the college path now is the time to fill out the CommonApp

• Seniors can complete the FAFSA form

• If your student is on a direct-to-career path, create a list of potential businesses to contact for job shadowing opportunities

• Would you like for your senior to participate in a homeschool graduation ceremony? The Education Alliance in Arkansas hosts two ceremonies. Early bird registration is open.

Use the above checklist to help you get organized. Complete all of the tasks that you can even if you feel too tired. Setting aside a couple of hours to complete these tasks will pay dividends come January. If you want help with this process, contact us for a one-on-one meeting where we’ll share our templates and coach you through this crucial time in your high schooler's life. 

Once you’ve completed these mid-year tasks, definitely take some time to rest. You’ve earned it!