From Mr. Jones
Turning the next move into a skill
This week, students practiced taking ownership of what comes next. Sophomores separated what they can control from what they can influence and rehearsed clear self-advocacy. Seniors worked through realistic application scenarios and identified the steps, information, and support each student would need.
This week in SQUAD
Recognize the next step. Communicate clearly. Follow through.
Across both classes, students moved from identifying a need to deciding what to do about it. They practiced using realistic situations, specific language, and reliable resources instead of guessing or waiting for someone else to solve the problem.
Class status labels show which activities have already been covered and which are in progress. Students should still use Canvas to confirm their own submission status.
What we worked on
Different stages. Shared purpose.
Control, influence, and self-advocacy
Students completed two in-class activities: “Control What You Can” and “Self-Advocacy 101.” They sorted common school situations into what they can control, influence, or cannot control, then used the Explain → Ask → Act framework to practice requesting help while still taking responsibility for the next step. No submission was required for either activity.
Open SQUAD 10 materials →Finding a path through the application process
Students worked with one partner on the Application Maze. Each pair completed two senior scenarios and mapped what the student needed to Apply, Pay, Gather for Documents & Support, and Follow Up. When information was missing, students marked it “NEED TO RESEARCH” rather than guessing.
Open SQUAD 12 materials →Important dates
What’s coming up
Homecoming Week Begins
September 28–October 3 • Assembly and Mardi Gras parade October 2 • Dance October 3, 7–10 PM, THS Commons
Financial Aid Night
SQUAD 12 students and families • 6:30 PM • Auditorium
Pumpkin Patch Field Trip
SQUAD 12 • Bella Organic Farms
Upcoming assignment deadlines: SQUAD 10 Sophomore Success Plan — Sept. 30; SQUAD 12 Hoodie Design — Oct. 1; SQUAD 10 first recurring Grade Check — Oct. 2. Assignments are due at 11:59 PM. Family permission is required for the pumpkin patch trip. Open the form in ParentSquare →
September 28–October 2
Homecoming spirit days
- Mon · Sept. 28
- PJ Day
- Tue · Sept. 29
- Team or school gear
- Wed · Sept. 30
- Patterns / mix-and-match
- Thu · Oct. 1
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Fri · Oct. 2
- Green for SQUAD 10 · Pink for SQUAD 12
September 28–October 3
Varsity athletics
Water polo, soccer, volleyball, cross country, and the Homecoming football game are on both class calendars.
Check your calendar for opponents, times, and locations. The Barlow volleyball tournament time and location are still TBD.
Family conversation starter
“What is something you need help with—and how could you Explain, Ask, and Act?”
Invite your student to name the situation, make a clear request, and identify the step they can take after asking for support.
Celebration & highlight
Advocating without handing off responsibility.
Students practiced asking for what they need while staying responsible for their part of the solution—an important skill in school, work, and life after graduation.
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