From Mr. Jones
Use evidence. Choose the next action.
This week, both classes moved from planning into action. Sophomores began identifying strengths through evidence from real experiences. Seniors created a living tracker for their postsecondary options and used it to choose the next concrete application, financial-aid, document, or follow-up step.
This week in SQUAD
Make progress visible
Students practiced turning a broad goal into something specific they can see and act on. SQUAD 10 students looked for repeated patterns in successful moments. SQUAD 12 students organized deadlines, materials, status, and follow-up tasks so they can return to their work without starting over each class.
Students should use Canvas to confirm their individual submission status. The class-site labels show what was assigned or covered in class, not whether a particular student has completed it.
What we worked on
Different stages. One useful habit.
Strengths in Action
Sophomores began Unit 2 by distinguishing interests, skills, aptitudes, and strengths. After completing a guided model, students used real examples of things they have done well to identify evidence of their own strengths. They then completed the required My Strengths Evidence File by analyzing three moments and looking for repeated patterns.
Open SQUAD 10 materials →Application Tracker + Work Session
Seniors set up a living Application Tracker for the colleges, training programs, apprenticeships, military steps, or employment options they are actively pursuing. Students completed pathway-specific work, updated deadlines and supporting materials, and ended by recording one specific Next Action and due date. The tracker also provides a separate place to organize scholarship applications.
Open SQUAD 12 materials →Important dates
What’s coming up
No School
Teacher planning day
Financial Aid Night
SQUAD 12 students and families • 6:30 PM • Auditorium
Bella Organic Farms Field Trip
SQUAD 12 • Family permission required through ParentSquare
Upcoming SQUAD work: SQUAD 10 Grade Check 02 is due October 16. SQUAD 12 students should keep their Application Tracker current and complete the next action they recorded during the work session. Use Canvas to verify all required submissions. Open the field-trip permission form →
October 12–23
School and senior events
- Mon · Oct. 12
- No school • Teacher planning
- Tue · Oct. 13
- FAFSA workshop • Both lunches • THS Library
- Thu · Oct. 15
- Great American ShakeOut • 3rd-block extension
- Thu · Oct. 15
- Financial Aid Night • 6:30 PM • Auditorium
- Mon · Oct. 19
- NACAC National College Fair field trip
- Wed · Oct. 21
- SQUAD 12 Bella Organic Farms field trip
- Thu–Fri · Oct. 22–23
- No school • Family Partnership / Planning
October 12–17
Varsity athletics
Both class calendars include water polo against Lakeridge, Hillsboro, and Newberg; soccer against West Linn and Lakeridge; volleyball against West Linn; Friday football against Lake Oswego; and Saturday’s Stumptown cross-country meet.
Check the class calendar for times and locations. JV/JV2 events and the duplicate cheer listing are omitted to keep the calendars readable.
Family conversation starter
“What is the next thing you actually need to do?”
Ask your student to name one specific action, when they will do it, and what information or support they need to follow through.
Celebration & highlight
Progress is easier to sustain when it is visible.
Sophomores created evidence they can use during YouScience and career exploration. Seniors created a system they can return to throughout application season instead of trying to keep every deadline and next step in their heads.
Resources & reminders