| Starting with the ninth grade, we use the Thumbprint program to map and track every student’s potential path through his or her Watkinson experience. We work with each student to develop a Thumbprint that includes long- and short-term goals; a record of strengths, needs, intentions, and passions; a proposed schedule of classes, afternoon activities, weekend and summer resources; and documentation on the student’s progress toward the mission, essential characteristics, and core values of the school. Students work with an advisor on interim goals throughout the year; formal meetings twice a year reevaluate and modify the plan. From the beginning, parents are an essential part of this process. Thumbprint is a powerful tool for strengthening the student–parent–school partnership that is a hallmark of Watkinson. Since "show, don't tell" is a best practice in the Upper School, we take this opportunity to share a sample Thumbprint. Thumbprint for Barbara, class of 2011 Long Term Goals: Be a high school math teacher; Read on existentially; Build a better relationship with my family; Set a good pattern of exercise. Barbara's Goals for this Year: Achieve High Honors; Practice my extra curricular activities daily; Exercise twice a week; Work on asking for help in advance. Barbara's Thumbprint includes connections to her annual academic plan, her after school and weekend activites, as well as her summer endeavors. In the words of our College Counselor Terry Ullram, "The Thumbprint significantly informs each student's college process. My goal is to find the best possible match for our kids. Knowing our students well is one of the keys to making that possible." |