Graduation Stole Ideas: Wearing and Customizing Your Graduation Attire
The end of your college or high school career is a time to be celebrated. After all, you’ve worked hard to reach this point, and you deserve to enjoy every minute of your graduation day. Many students wear graduation stoles to help make the day even more special.
What is a stole for graduation?
A graduation stole is a long, decorative scarf worn over your gown. Your graduation stole is more than just a pretty accessory; it’s also a way to show your school spirit and to show pride in your accomplishments. It will also be a treasured keepsake long after the ceremony is over.
Your stole should reflect your unique personality and style. Here are a few graduation stole ideas and how to wear it with pride:
The History Behind the Graduation Stole
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of choosing your graduation stole, it’s important to understand the history behind this time-honored tradition.
Believe it or not, stoles have existed long before the caps and gowns – but not necessarily for academic reasons. In fact, stoles have been worn for centuries as a way to show status and wealth.
In the 12th century, priests and other religious figures would wear stoles to signify their position in the church. Later, stoles became more decorative, with wealthy individuals adorning them with gold and other precious metals.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the graduation stole became a more common sight at academic ceremonies. At first, they were worn only by professors, but eventually, students began donning stoles as well.
The tradition has continued to this day, with stoles becoming an essential part of the graduation experience across the globe. Many schools even allow students to use their own graduation stole ideas to reflect their achievements and interests.
The Meaning of Your Graduation Stole
Stoles can be worn for a variety of reasons, but they all share one common goal: to show pride in your accomplishments.
For many students, a custom graduation stole is a physical representation of all the hard work they’ve put into their education. It’s also a way to show gratitude for the friends, family, and mentors who have supported them along the way.
In some cases, stoles can also be used to show support for a particular cause or group. For instance, some students may choose to wear an ethnic graduation stole that represents their cultural heritage or that shows solidarity with an organization they’re passionate about such as a fraternity or sorority.
No matter what your graduation stole ideas may be, the important thing is that it means something to you. When you walk across that stage, you’ll want to be wearing a stole that makes you feel proud and confident.
4 Graduation Stole Ideas to Add a Special Twist
If you’re looking to create a personal touch to your graduation stole, there are plenty of ways to do so. Here are four popular graduation stole ideas to consider:
Add Embroidery, Sequins, or Other Graduation Stole Patterns
One of the easiest ways to add something special is to create an embroidered graduation stole or add other embellishments. This is a great way to add a pop of color or to incorporate a design that’s meaningful to you. For example, you could add your school’s mascot or some personal touches, like your name or initials.
If you’re not the DIY type, plenty of companies offer customization services with graduation stole designs. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to have your stole embroidered or embellished before the big day.
Commemorate Your Class
If you’re looking for a way to show your class pride, consider getting a class stole. These stoles are usually decorated with your school’s colors and feature the year of your graduation. They’re a great way to show unity with fellow graduates and commemorate your time at school.
This is one of the best graduation stole ideas if you want yours to double as a keepsake that you can treasure for years to come. After all, it’s always nice to have an item that will remind you of your graduation year and all the great memories you made.
Include a Quote or Motivating Message
If you’re looking for a way to add meaning to your graduation stole, consider including a quote or message. For instance, you could choose a quote that’s significant to you or that represents your future goals. This is a great way to keep yourself motivated as you walk across that stage and into the next phase of your life.
You could also include a quote from a favorite book, movie, or song. Explore some of our favorite graduation quotes on our Pinterest board. Just be sure to choose something that resonates with you and that you’ll be able to look back on fondly.
Get a Professionally Customized Graduation Stole
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your graduation stole, consider exploring some professional graduation stole designs. This is a great way to get a one-of-a-kind stole that’s specifically tailored to your taste.
This is a fantastic option if you want your stole to be truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you want an intricate design or something more simple, a professional graduation company can help you bring your vision to life.
Looking for Personalized Graduation Mementos?
In addition to customizing your graduation stole, there are plenty of other ways to make your big day special. At Herff Jones, we offer a wide range of personalized graduation products, from stoles and sashes to class rings and announcements. Whether you’re looking for ways to commemorate your achievement or show your school spirit, we have you covered.
To learn more about our products and services, please contact us online.
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How Do I Wear My Class Ring?
Graduation is an exciting time in anyone’s life, and class rings are a way to celebrate all you’ve achieved. They symbolize your hard work, accomplishments, and the good times you had along the way.
Rings have signified achievement and celebration throughout history. In early Egypt, rings, or fellowship rings, were worn to show they were part of a special cause, class, or religion. In 1835, the cadets at West Point were given class rings to remind them of the school’s values and to show their pride in the institution.
Today, high school class rings and collegiate class rings are common at virtually every school and university for students to show their class pride. So, how should you wear your class ring? Here is everything you need to know.
Are All Class Ring Traditions the Same?
Class ring traditions can vary from school to school. They can involve big celebrations that include your friends, teachers and even your parents in some instances. This is a chance to show your pride and celebrate with the people who mean the most to you.
While class ring ceremonies are all different, they usually include celebratory speeches from teachers and other students, and a presentation of your ring. If your parents also attended the school, they may be invited to wear their ring to the ceremony. Rising Junior and Seniors traditionally participate and take turns coming up to get their rings.
Students getting rings will not open them until they return to their seats. Once all rings have been given out, everyone will open their boxes for the big reveal of their unique class rings. Some parochial schools will offer a blessing upon the rings. After the celebration is complete, everyone usually gathers to show off their new rings.
Some schools forgo in-person ceremonies, and your ring will be mailed to your home. Other schools wait until after graduation to hand out rings. If you’re not sure about your school’s tradition, ask a teacher or your guidance counselor.
Which Hand Should I Wear My Ring On?
A common question we hear all the time is, “Which hand do I wear my class ring on?”.
You can wear your ring on any finger you want. It’s for you and that’s a decision for you to make. Traditionally most people wear it on their right ring finger. That way, there is no confusion about an engagement ring or wedding band.
The best thing about your class ring is it’s entirely up to you. Your personalized class ring and how you wear it is as unique as you are.
Which Way Should the Ring Be Facing?
Traditionally, while you’re in school, class rings should be facing inward so when you hold your hand out, you can read the name of the school. You might choose to have your ring facing “backward” so that the name of your school faces out. There is no correct way to wear your class ring.
Also, since Herff Jones is the official provider for your class rings, you’ll be able to show off your official school logo and mascot like no one else. You won’t get that from any other manufacturer. Celebrate your achievements and show your pride with your class ring, no matter which way you turn it.
How Do I Care for My Ring?
You’ve spent time carefully picking out and sizing your class ring. Your excitement has built to a fever pitch, and now you’ve received your ring in your school’s ceremony.
So, how do you ensure that your class ring will stand the test of time? Class rings are made of metal, and even the purest gold or silver will tarnish over time if not taken care of.
Here’s how you can take care of your high school class ring or collegiate class ring:
- Clean it with a mild detergent and rinse.
- Dry with a soft cloth, and do not use anything rough when cleaning.
- Avoid any contact with harsh chemicals.
- Remove your ring when participating in any sports activities, yard work, or heavy labor.
- Avoid getting your ring wet when possible.
When you take your class ring off, store it in a safe place so it won’t get lost or damaged. A box or even a soft cloth pouch are good options. If anything does happen to your ring, Herff Jones has an industry-leading warranty among class ring companies. In fact, we won’t charge you to resize your ring or replace its stones.
Can I Change Up the Way I Wear My Ring After Graduation?
You’ve graduated, and your school is now your alma mater. How do you wear your class ring after graduation? Any way you want. That’s right. You’ve designed your ring to directly reflect your style. You’ve chosen the metal, the stones, the lettering, and what it says. Show it off any way you want.
Many schools not only have celebrations when your ring is presented, but they have a “Turning of the Ring” ceremony shortly before, or even at, graduation. Graduates will turn their rings around on their fingers to symbolize that they are now alumni.
Others will put their ring on a necklace and wear it around their neck. The choice is yours. Make it yours and be proud.
Wrap Up
The beauty of a class ring is that it’s uniquely you. Your design, your school, and representing your accomplishments. A class ring brings your individual story to life. Herff Jones class rings are proudly made in the United States, and we’re honored to be partners on this journey with you.
We have an extensive catalog of all the latest designs, including new styles, metals, and stones. You personalize it any way you want. Use our online ring design site and create your one-of-a-kind class ring. Then go to our Right Size ring sizing app to ensure a perfect fit.
You designed your class ring, and now you get to wear it however you’d like. There are no rules. Proudly serving you since 1920, let us bring your unique class ring visions to life.
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Celebrating Virtual Graduation
Making your virtual graduation the best it can be.
Congratulations! You did it!
Graduation is a time to celebrate your accomplishments, and ceremony or not, you’re still going to do that. While you may not get to walk across the stage or celebrate in person, it is still YOUR day and we want you to feel accomplished.
Now you may be asking yourself, “How can I make virtual graduation special?” Don’t worry, since you had to do all the heavy thinking to graduate, we’ve already gone ahead and brainstormed a few ideas for you. So, here are six virtual graduation celebration ideas to make your day special.
Send Graduation Announcements
Sending graduation announcements are more important than ever as you most likely will not be able to have a graduation party. Graduation marks an important milestone in your life, and your family and friends want to celebrate with you.
You can make your own announcements, or discover a wide range of fancy-looking announcements already available at Herff Jones. Want to say more than just words? No problem. With HJSmartShare you can attach a QR code sticker to your announcements, and when the recipient scans it with their smartphone, they get a personalized video from you. Each QR code can get its own video, so this way grandma and your best friend do not have to receive the same message.
Take Pictures in Your Cap and Gown
Just because you are not having an in-person ceremony does not mean you can’t take pictures. This is a day worth remembering! In the modern-day world of smartphones, having your own photoshoot is almost a weekly occurrence. Enlist your parents or siblings to be your personal photographer for the day and get great shots of you in your cap and gown. Pictures last a lifetime, and you’ll want to remember that moment. And don’t forget to share these with the world on your favorite social platform.
Dress Up for Your Virtual Graduation
This day is only going to come once in your lifetime. Make the day more memorable by having the whole family dress up as if you were going in-person. This will make the event seem more “real” rather than sitting around in your pajamas. Don’t forget to do a screen grab, or get a picture with your name on the screen! Finally, when the ceremony is done, order take out or ask your folks to have your favorite foods on hand to celebrate this major accomplishment.
Decorate your Room in School Colors
Do arts and crafts relax you? Or at least do you enjoy a fun project? Decorating your room or living room (or wherever you will attend your graduation ceremony) will make the day feel more real. Hang up streamers or banners or cut out stars in your school colors. Print out (or draw) a picture of your school’s mascot. You can even hang pictures of your favorite high school memories. Don’t have paper in your school’s colors? Use the math worksheets you cannot wait to get rid of and write across them or cut out letters. This could be even more satisfying than simply throwing them in the recycling bin. Decorate the room how YOU want to and enhance your graduation experience.
Zoom or FaceTime with your Friends
Your graduation not only celebrates your accomplishments, but also marks the end of your childhood. More than likely you and your friends will be spread out across the country at different colleges or jobs come the end of your summer. Set up a group Zoom or FaceTime call and get emotional about your time together. Graduation day is normally emotional, but it may not feel real or emotional while watching your ceremony from a screen. But if you reminisce with your friends, we guarantee there will be tears. Each friend can create a slideshow of your favorite pictures and memories to share with the group.
Graduation Parades
While it’s not wise to host a “normal” graduation party, your loved ones can certainly celebrate your accomplishments from a distance. Set up a graduation parade in your neighborhood and have your friends and family drive by. This is a great way to celebrate with others without putting yourself or others at risk. Play graduation music and make your way across the lawn to shake your parents’ hands or even your pet’s paw. Wear your cap and gown and with the honking and yelling coming from your friends and family, it will almost be like you are at the real thing.
Don’t let COVID define your graduation for you. You can make this the most memorable graduation ever by making it YOURS. If anything, a virtual graduation means you don’t have to play by the “normal” rules of graduation. So have so fun and make it what YOU want it to be.
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Virtual Graduation Tips for Administrators
How to hold a successful, virtual graduation.
It’s true what they say, “No one knows what the future holds.” Each and every school year brings about unexpected twists and turns. Obviously, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has made it more challenging than most, but we still want to make sure our students experience the memorable experience of high school graduation.
So, while COVID has certainly gotten in the way of traditional plans, we’re here to help with some graduation tips.
A Turnkey Solution
You may be wondering, “where do I even begin?” First, you need to decide how and with what platform you want to host a virtual graduation. For those schools who don’t wish to go it on their own, Herff Jones, in collaboration with StageClip and MarchingOrder, offers a virtual graduation solution that provides an easy-to-implement platform to celebrate your graduates’ achievements. Our virtual graduation platform isn’t like any ordinary Zoom call, it is customizable so you can create the most memorable ceremony for your graduates.
These features include:
• Play audio of each student’s name, pronounced correctly, as their personalized slide is displayed
• Gift each new graduate their individual #MoveTheTassel moment with a personalized, video file
• Virtually gather students and their families to celebrate commencement;
• And more!
How to make it memorable
Once you have the ceremony planned, it is time to think of how to make their graduation experience unique. 2021 graduates faced an uncertain year, most not even being in person for their entire senior year; we want to ensure our graduates feel recognized and valued. So how can you do this?
Drive-Thru Grad Parade
A drive-thru grad parade is a great way to safely bring faculty, staff, and students together. Have your staff line up throughout the parking lot and down the street with banners and posters. Your seniors will drive through, excited to see their teachers cheering and celebrating them. Seniors can even decorate their cars, showing off their high school accomplishments and future plans. You could have a contest for the best decorated car. Play music to keep the energy up. Have fun as your students will remember this parade for the rest of their lives.
Deliver Senior Swag to their Homes
Senior year is the year students get to show off their graduation pride through apparel and other senior swag. Gather your teachers to deliver senior swag bags to their homes – leaving the bag at their doorsteps. These bags can contain a school t-shirt, Class of 2021 water bottle, keychains, or anything you want to give your students to remember their senior year by. Having teacher’s deliver these bags will make the experience more memorable and they will feel that their school and teachers care about them.
Honor your Seniors on Social Media
Start now and shout out your seniors on social media. This can be saying what their future plans are, the activities they did in high school, or even just fun facts. Your students will want to share and interact with the posts because it’s about them. You can use Instagram stories or Facebook stories to easily show your pride in your seniors.
COVID may have gotten in the way of your traditions, but that doesn’t mean your seniors don’t deserve a memorable graduation. We hope that with these tools and ideas, you will be able to give the Class of 2021 a graduation to remember.
GET STARTED WITH VIRTUAL GRADUATION NOW
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Preparing to Order Your Class Jewelry
Creating your very own class jewelry
Part of the beauty of a class ring or necklace lies in its uniqueness and its ability to tell a story. As the owner of this commemorative jewelry, you are the one who gets to bring this story to life. It’s a special opportunity and an honor that comes only once in a lifetime. But don’t let that responsibility scare you. Our design process is simple, straightforward and can even be fun.
- First you pick your style. What design calls out to you? Traditional? Vintage? Modern? Browse all of our new styles.
- Then you pick the metal you would like your ring to be made from. Will it be silver, gold or maybe a combination of both?
- Next comes the stone. In addition to the 12 birthstones we also offer a wide array of other options. And each stone can be cut how you like it.
- Finally, there’s our Prideside™ offerings for rings and our HJ Expressions™ for necklaces. This is where you really personalize your jewelry with who you are and what you love.
Before making any of these decisions, be sure to talk to family and friends first. Go through our catalog with them. Ask them what they would choose and why. But remember that in the end this is your commemorative ring or necklace and it should reflect your story.
One of the great things about ordering your class ring through Herff Jones is our online ring design site. With it you don’t need to visualize in your head what your ring will look like. Instead, you can see it right in front of you. Change the design from traditional to modern. Change the metal from Ultrium to yellow or white gold. Play around with what various stones and their cuts will look like. This way you can be sure that your ring will be just the way you like it.
The ability to design your class necklace online will be added to our site soon. In the meantime, create your personalized necklace by simply contacting your Herff Jones representative and they will help you with the design of your necklace as well as help you place your order.
If your school is having an ordering event, you can print out this 4-step design organizer, fill in your selections and bring it with you. A Herff Jones representative will be there to answer all of your questions. If you prefer, you can also place your order online at www.highschool.herffjones.com.
On a final note, don’t forget to bring your down payment to the ordering event. Most major credit cards are accepted, and some representatives will accept cash or checks. However, if you wish to use cash or a check, we encourage you to check with your Herff Jones Representative ahead of time.
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Achievement Jackets
Your jacket. Your style.
Our custom letterman jackets allow you to display your achievements and passions for all to see. With over 300 unique patch designs to get you started, there is sure to be something that represents your story. Each jacket is custom measured to ensure a perfect fit and is made from the highest quality materials so it will last long after your school days are over.
Herff Jones offers a variety of different jacket types to complement your unique style.
Our traditional jackets are made of a heavyweight Melton Wool (80% wool/20% Nylon) and feature heavy-duty snaps. The quality and durability of our achievement jackets is unmatched.
The traditional quilted lining provides a soft, comfortable interior. For those who prefer a lighter jacket nylon lining is available upon request.
For our traditional jackets, sleeves are available in either a 100% top grain leather, or a soft vinyl feel fabric. Either option provides the classic letter jacket look. You can choose up to four patches per sleeve.
As the official supplier to your school, these jackets are available in your official school colors and feature your official school letter(s) and mascot.
Ordering Information
To get your custom jacket order started please contact your local Herff Jones sales representative. They will be able to help you properly size your jacket as well as assist you with design.
You can find your local sales rep here.
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Thank You Etiquette
Make your mother proud of you
It’s what probably every mother has told their child at one point in their life after somebody did something nice for their child:
“What do you say?”
You say, “Thank you,” of course, and the same goes now that you’re older, even if your mother isn’t around to prompt you.
And one of the nicest ways to say thank you, and one that leaves a positive lasting impression, is the handwritten note. It tells the recipient you’ve taken the time to not just rush out an email or text, but you’ve gone the extra step to personally write them a hand-written note of gratitude. When it comes to personal or professional communication, nothing stands out more.
The Interview Thank You letter
In a digital age where most personalized communication has gone the way of the phone book, a personally written thank you note will help distinguish you like never before. It doesn’t say “desperate” it says “interested.” And if you’re neck-and-neck with someone else for the job this could really set you apart.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to first send a thank you email BEFORE THE END OF BUSINESS DAY, but then you should follow up by penning an additional thank you note that day and get it into the mail the next.
You should first thank the interviewer for his or her time, repeat your interest in the position, and then draw some kind of connection between your experience and the job. It really won’t be all that different from your thank you email, but by the time the person receives this thank you, he or she might have met a handful of other candidates.
Just be yourself and sincere — and don’t be afraid to show a little emotion or enthusiasm. Keep it short. If you’ve written more than eight sentences, you’ve made it too long. Open the note with a simple “Dear” and close it with something simple and professional, like “Sincerely” or “Best wishes.”
You may want to practice writing it a few time on a blank sheet of paper before committing to a professional piece of stationery. It’s not as if your penmanship has to be perfect, but it does need to legible.
For the envelope, be sure to center the address and write cleanly. If you mess up don’t just scratch it out, start over. Make sure the stamp is neatly placed and you provide a return address. The envelope is the first impression and it needs to be as well-dressed as yourself and your resume.
Graduation Present Thank You letter
If someone went out of their way and took the time to personally pick out a present for you, then you can take a few moments to go out of your way to thank them with a personally written thank you note.
Sending a nice thank you note is easy, just follow these simple steps.
1: First, start with a simple greeting, using the person’s name. Follow that up with a line or two thanking them for the particular gift or kind gesture.
2: Then mention the gift or gesture and how you plan to use it, or how it made a positive impact on you.
3: Then simply close with a kind sentiment or if the person lives nearby, perhaps an offer for lunch or coffee in the near future (be sure to follow up). End the note with “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and sign your name.
Remember, even a note written in your worst handwriting (not everyone got an “A” in penmanship) is better than not sending a note at all.
Grad Party Thank You Letter
Many times, families like to hold a party for their graduate. It doesn’t always mean that those invited have to bring a gift, but the attendees ARE taking time out from their personal time to attend this party. For family and friends that attend, you should return their kind act with one of your own — a handwritten thank you.
Thank you notes for grad parties basically follow the same format as a thank you note for a present with just a few minor tweaks.
1: Start with a simple greeting, using the person’s name.
2: Follow that up with a line or two thanking them for attending your party and make a small mention on how it made a positive impact on you.
3: Then, same as you would with a present thank you note, close with a kind sentiment or and maybe offer to meet them for coffee or lunch. End the note with “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and sign your name.
Teacher Thank You Note
Teachers are the unsung heroes of the world. Each and every year they get a new crop of individuals whose names they have to remember and who know very little of the subject matter they’re having to teach. In the end, they’re not paid very well for their efforts. The least you can do is make their day a little brighter by thanking them and reminding them that they really do make a difference in the world.
A note to a teacher should be like a note to a friend. You start with “dear so and so” then write some heartfelt sentiment in the middle, which is tied into the subject matter they teach. Thank them in the end for all their hard work, and then close the note with, “Sincerely.”
You wouldn’t believe how much it can mean to a teacher to get a simple note like this from one of their students.
Written notes, in general, are greatly appreciated and will be remembered the next time this person may want to again do something nice for you or purchase you a gift.
And please take note, just because there are now virtual graduations happening, and presents are being mailed and not personally delivered, that doesn’t excuse you from sending a nice thank you note.
And for all this information, you’re welcome. We’ve been more than happy to help you out.
No thank you note needed.
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It’s a Small World
The magic of yearbook lives on.
We all know the traditional functions of a yearbook. Of course, it’s a memory book, a history book and the year’s consummate photo album. Without a doubt, it serves as a record and a reference tool, too.
We’ve asked, “If it’s not in the book, did it even really happen?” so often that students begin to echo as soon as we begin speaking.
But one of the lesser-discussed YBK impacts is perhaps the most amazing. It’s not uncommon to hear an adviser say a yearbook is magic.
A long-time guru said it best with this:
“If you’re covering the year right,” Col. Charles Savedge would say, “the yearbook is as magical as Mickey’s kingdom. There — no matter whether you’re 4 or 24 or 64 — you’re always a child. Yearbook is just the same,” he’d continue. “When you open that book, you’re right back on campus in the coverage year… if you’re doing it right.”
So true. But there’s another aspect of the magic that’s less obvious and so much more mind-boggling.
Yearbook — not the book itself but the culture — actually makes the world smaller every day.
I recently experienced this (again!) myself. In a completely non-work situation, I mentioned my work with Herff Jones and yearbook staffs from coast to coast. “No way,” gushed the woman across the table. “I am the original yearbook girl.”
And while the others looked on, puzzled, she launched into her YBK history. Suddenly, we were connected and had lots to discuss. You can find Patricia’s story on page 23, alongside stories of other former editors.
It’s common at college media conventions to meet former high school staffers who fondly recall their experiences. Many times, the conversations begin when our booth swag causes flashbacks to previous events or workshops. Often, those visits end with a text to a former adviser or rep with greetings and “thanks for all you taught me.”
A few weeks back, a friend called with another world-shrinking-via-yearbook story. While at a wedding in Tampa, he’d been introduced to the groom’s cousin, a high school volleyball coach from North Carolina. His litany of questions about her school made her ask how he knew about so many schools in so many places. He explained he’d worked with yearbook staffs for years. Guess what? Jill was on yearbook in high school. Where, he asked? Colorado. What school? Overland. Imagine her surprise when he said, “I know Kathy Daly, too.”
The fact that another wedding guest knew Daly, a long-time HJ adviser and special consultant, was surprising to the former yearbook editor’s mother.
No surprise: Yearbook constantly removes degrees of separation.
And I love that. It makes me smile that yearbook and yearbookers matter — even years later.
Ann Akers, MJE
A yearbook marketing, sales and people-person, Akers believes that yearbookers everywhere can eliminate degrees of separation if they ask the right questions.
Read more yearbook blog stories like We’ve All Said it Before and It’s Time for the Talk.
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Five Ideas for a Virtual Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up, and it’s no secret that teachers are working harder than ever.
So, since the ways in which they teach their students has certainly changed, here are also a few different ways during Teacher Appreciation Week 2020 to say thank you to all the unsung teacher heroes working “behind the screens” to keep their kids learning.
Trust us when we say just doing one or two of these things for teachers will really brighten their day.
#1: Yard Signs
Design and print yard signs to place in teachers’ lawns. Consider using “We Love Our Teachers” or “A Rockstar Teacher Lives Here” for the message. Or, have students make homemade versions. Once the signs are made, organize a group of volunteers to drive around and distribute the signs. But remember to keep your distance and follow local guidelines.
#2: Thank a Teacher Car Parade
When schooling first moved online, we saw many teachers across the country organizing car parades to visit their students from a safe distance. Now, it’s your turn! Gather the neighborhood, make homemade signs and honk your horns loudly to show the nearby teachers how much they are appreciated.
#3: Social Shoutout
Download one of our Teacher Appreciation Week Applause Cards and participate in the Herff Jones #ThankATeacher social media campaign. Share the card to social and tag a teacher — past or present — who has impacted your life or your child’s life.
#4: Video Message
Kind words go a long way. Help your kids record a brief thank-you message to send to their teachers. Let teachers know their impact and that students miss them and face-to-face classroom time.
#5: e-Gift Cards
You can’t go wrong with a gift card, and many stores and restaurants offer digital options. Send it via e-mail with a personalized note of thanks. Bonus points for you if you support a local business!
No matter how big or small you decide to go, just be sure the teachers know you care. In the end, it’s the thought that counts, and a thank you goes a long way.
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College To-Do List for High School Seniors
The Pre-College To-Do list
So, high school’s now in the rear-view mirror, quickly fading away, and the next exit on the road of life is freshman year of college. Sounds fun, right? You’re away from home. Total freedom. You set your own hours. Come and go as you please. Hang out with friends into the wee hours of the morning. Yup, that’s about it.
Hmmm, seems like we’re kinda forgetting something.
Oh yeah… college.
As in school.
Heading off to college isn’t as simple as heading off for a weeklong vacation somewhere. You’re moving out. You’re moving on. But let’s not forget, you’re also going to be expected to attend classes, do homework and take (and pass) tests and exams.
So, with all the fun that comes with college, there’s also a lot you’ve got to prepare for. And hopefully what we’ve gathered for you here will help out.
Go to orientation.
As smart as you think you are, and despite what some friends who precede you to college may tell you, orientation is still valuable. Despite being high school graduates, you still don’t know everything there is to know about the world, let alone a college or university you’ve never been to before in your life. Orientation is also where you might choose your first set of classes. It also gives you the chance to get to know some of your classmates. So, make some friends, get their numbers. You may make a friend for life.
Connect with your future roommate.
You’re gonna be stuck together for at least your freshman year, so why not get to know them before your first day in the dorm. You might find that you actually have a bunch of things in common. At the very least it gives you a chance to set some “ground rules” about who gets which bunk, visitors, quiet/noise and lights out times. Some schools even require that you sign a contract with your future roommate.
Get into a good routine.
Staying out late all summer and then expecting your body to quickly readjust to waking up early for classes in the morning is a bad idea. Sure, you can still stay out late occasionally if you want. After all, it’s your last summer after high school, but don’t make a habit of it.
Organize your finances.
Make sure your bank accounts and credit /debit card accounts are all set up. Including any online banking. Also, get your student loans, scholarships, and financial aid taken care of. And while you’re at it, you might want to reach an agreement with your parents about just who’s going to pay for what next year. From tuition, fees and books to gas and late-night pizzas.
Get yourself checked up.
A quick trip to the doctor is a good way to make sure you’re heading into your freshman year as healthy as can be. It’s also a good way to get some pointers from your doctor about how to take care of yourself now that you’re an adult. While colleges and universities do have campus health care the quality can vary pretty widely from one institution to the next.
Shop for your dorm room.
Yes, the big retailers always have their back-to-school sales every year where you can stock up on things like lamps, chairs and whatnot for your dorm room, but have you considered the local Goodwill (or whatever may be your town’s equivalent)? They’re a great place to find stuff that’s inexpensive, and quite frankly, not the same old stuff everyone else is showing up with.
Get a calendar or planner.
Which is another way of saying “get yourself organized.” Mark down key academic dates: the start and end of classes, dates for finals, and vacation times. (You can find this on your school’s website.) Also, take time to assess your daily commitments (work, homework, etc.). Make sure your priorities are straight and you’ve got your support systems in place. You don’t want to have to juggle any more balls than you have to when trying to keep up with your course load.
Take a self-defense class.
You’re going to be on a campus that is, at first, unfamiliar to you. College can be a dangerous place. Even once you get to know which parts of town to avoid. So, take your safety seriously. Maybe look online to see if any martial arts studios are holding any summer classes, or if your local police department is offering any self-defense training.
Save money from your summer job.
Saving money, and not just blowing every paycheck you get, is something you need to get used to. You’re an adult now and you need to actually start saving for retirement. But first, from textbooks to late night pizza, college life can be expensive. Make sure you save money from your summer job to help cover those expenses, so you don’t have to bum money off of mom and dad all semester.
Finally, take time to spend with family and friends.
Yes, part of college is learning how to leave the nest and be out on your own, and you’re probably really looking forward to it. But you might be surprised, unpleasantly, how much you begin to miss family and friends. They say most students begin to really start to feel homesick their third week away. So, make adjustments in your summer schedule so you can spend quality time with your family and friends before you leave for college. Depending on your schedule you may not be able to come home to visit as much as you thought you could.
Most kids don’t know this, but parents are told during their own orientation that part of college is letting their children learn what it’s like to be on their own and that if their kids call for help, they should tell them to try and figure it out on their own first. (Don’t worry mom and dad will still be there for you if things seem bleak.)
So, if you’ve read this far, you’re already a step ahead. You’ve listened (or in this case read.) Now, just take time to consider all this and then you decide what you’re going to do. After all, it’s your life. You’re a grown-up now.
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