The Guidance Column
September 2026
Welcome to a brand-new school year! Whether you are stepping onto
campus as a freshman or walking the halls for your final year,
September is all about building strong habits, setting fresh goals,
and creating a routine that supports both your academic success and
your well-being.
Your Student Advising & Counseling Department is here to advocate for
you, support your personal and academic goals, and help you navigate
the year ahead. Stop by the office or reach out anytime!
SEPTEMBER FOCUS AREAS BY GRADE LEVEL
FRESHMEN (CLASS OF 2030): BUILDING YOUR BASE
• High School Transcript Starts Now: Every semester grade stays on
your permanent transcript. Starting strong in September sets the
tone for your entire high school trajectory!
• Get Involved: Aim to join at least one club, sport, or campus
activity this month. Building connection early is key to a great
high school experience.
• Master Your Organization: Try out different planning systems—whether
it’s a physical planner, Google Calendar, or a smartphone app—to
track assignments and exams.
SOPHOMORES (CLASS OF 2029): EXPANDING YOUR HORIZON
• Focus on Depth over Quantity: Re-evaluate your extra-curricular
involvement. Take on leadership roles or deeper responsibilities
in clubs you care about.
• Academic Momentum & Early College Planning: Keep your GPA strong.
Start learning about Dual Enrollment requirements if you want to earn
college credit while in high school starting junior year.
• Career Exploration: Begin mapping your interests and exploring
future career options using tools like Michigan Career Pathfinder
and BigFuture.
JUNIORS (CLASS OF 2028): THE CRITICAL YEAR
• Explore Dual Enrollment: Take advantage of Dual Enrollment
opportunities to take college courses, earn dual high school and
college credit, and get a head start on your post-secondary path.
• Academic Rigor & Balance: This is a key academic year for post-
secondary planning. Stay on top of coursework, but monitor your
stress levels as class expectations rise.
• Testing & Post-Secondary Pathways: Look out for announcements
regarding the PSAT/NMSQT offered in October. Use BigFuture and
Michigan Career Pathfinder to narrow down 2-year/4-year colleges,
trade schools, military, or workforce pathways.
• Connect with Representatives: Attend campus visits from college
admissions reps, trade recruiters, and military personnel visiting
our school this fall.
SENIORS (CLASS OF 2027): LAUNCHING YOUR PLAN
• Senior Meetings: Prepare for your fall graduation check/senior
meeting with your student advisor to verify your credits, Dual
Enrollment transferability, and post-secondary plan.
• Finalize Your List: Narrow down your post-secondary destinations
(college application lists, apprenticeship programs, trade
certifications, or direct workforce entry).
• Track Deadlines & Recommendations: Create a master tracker for
application deadlines, letter of recommendation requests (give
teachers at least 2–3 weeks' notice), and financial aid/scholarship
forms. Don't panic, Mrs. Walker will cover all these items in your 1-2-1
senior meeting.
3 TIPS FOR A LOW-STRESS SEPTEMBER
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Establish a Nighttime Reset: Set a consistent bedtime and pack
your bag the night before to reduce morning panic.
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Use the "2-Minute Rule": If an organizational task or quick reply
takes less than two minutes, do it immediately rather than
putting it off.
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Know Your Support Team: Teachers, counselors, student advisors,
and tutors are all here to help. Reach out at the first sign of
difficulty—not after you fall behind.
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IMPORTANT DATES
• September 7 – Labor Day (No School)
• August 31 – Dual Enrollment Classes Begin
• September 2 – Back to School Night
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
— Robert Collier
CONTACT YOUR ADVISING & COUNSELING TEAM
Office Location: Rogers City High School
Office Hours: M-F 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Student Advisor:
• Christina Walker: (989) 734 9178
Schedule an Appointment: christina.walker@