Extensions

In the main lesson, you tracked graduation requirements for the current school term.

To get a better picture of your progress, it’s helpful to include class activity for previous and future terms.

In this extension, you will add more required classes to your graduation requirements spreadsheet.

To start, open your spreadsheet.

In the main lesson, you created a column in your spreadsheet for your required classes for your next term in school.

For example, if you are currently in the Fall semester, you added a Spring semester heading.

This lesson uses semesters, but you can add the term your school uses.

If you know the classes you plan to take next term, add a column heading for “Classes” and add them to the column.

If not, leave it blank until you register for your next term.

If your classes will remain the same, copy and paste them from your previous term.

Add classes that will be new for that term.

Next, you’ll track the classes you have taken in previous terms to have as a record in your spreadsheet.

Create a new heading.

Format your text if it overlaps into the next cell.

If your class requirements were the same last term, copy your current class requirements list...

...and add it to your new section.

If you don’t know, ask your counselor or check your transcript.

Type your classes from the previous term.

Look at your transcript if you don’t remember what classes you took.

Now, copy the data validation and conditional formatting you created previously in your Credit Complete column.

And paste the formatting into your newly created section.

Copying and pasting a previous formatting saves you time as you fill out your spreadsheet.

Mark your previous classes as complete or incomplete depending upon whether you took all the required classes for that term.

If you did not take all your required classes, conditional formatting will show you! Add your grades..

Keep adding your classes until your spreadsheet includes required classes from all four years of high school.

When you’re done, you will have a complete picture of your high school years that you can update regularly to ensure you’re on track to graduate! Now, it’s your turn: Create headings for previous terms, Add your classes for previous and future terms, Copy and paste the formatting you previously created, and Mark classes complete or incomplete.

In this extension, you will add a sheet to your graduation spreadsheet with contact details for people who could serve as references for you.

A reference is someone you know who can recommend you based on your skills, strengths and experiences.

An advisor, such as your teacher, employer or coach, can be a reference for you.

You might need a reference when you apply for a job, internship, apprenticeship or academic program.

To start, add a new sheet to your spreadsheet and title it, "References." Add column headings to identify possible references, how you know them, and their contact details.

Then, think of people you know who could serve as a reference.

To start, consider activities you’ve participated in where an adult supervised you.

This could be a club, a class, a job or a sports activity.

Keeping a list of possible references in a digital spreadsheet helps you organize your information so you can find it quickly.

That’s helpful when you want to email them to request a reference when a job opportunity arises or you’re applying to a school or program.

Add at least three names of possible references, how you know them and their contact details to your spreadsheet.

Then, add a column heading to your spreadsheet to track whether you have asked them if they would be a reference for you.

Bold your heading row to make it easier to find.

Format the cells with data validation to create checkboxes that you can mark when you ask them to be your reference.

Your graduation spreadsheet is now even more valuable because you added people who can help you pursue your goals.

Keep that information handy as you prepare to graduate! Now, it’s your turn: Create a new sheet for possible references, Add name, activity and contact details, And check whether you have contacted them or not.

School property, such as sports equipment, theater props, band equipment or library books can accumulate at home, in your car, or in your locker over the course of the school year.

All of these items must be returned before you graduate.

In this extension, you will add a sheet to your spreadsheet to track school property you have in your possession.

Then, you will create a calendar reminder to turn in the property before the end of the school year.

To begin, add a new sheet to your spreadsheet and give it a title.

Create headings for the item, its location and whether or not you still have it.

Bold your headings so they stand out.

List the items, and the locations where they are now if you know where they are located.

Then, add where you can find these items.

You may have some items at home, and others in your locker at school.

Use data validation to track if you have returned the item or not...

...and use conditional formatting to highlight those items you still need to return in color.

Next, you will add a calendar reminder to prompt yourself to return these items before you graduate.

A calendar reminder is a useful way to stay on top of your obligations.

While you are busy finishing class projects and taking final exams, you might forget that you have school property you need to return.

Open your Calendar and add a reminder titled “Return School Property.” Choose a date for your reminder that gives you enough time to return the property before graduation.

For example, if your last day of school is May 22, choose a date at least one month before that date.

Then, add a time.

If you like, you can schedule a repeating reminder to receive a reminder to return school property every week from the month before your last day of school until your last day.

That way, you’ll be reminded again if you forget to return the property after your receive your first reminder.

Finish and save your calendar reminder.

You’re ready to return all the school items you still have on time to make the graduation process go more smoothly.

Now, it’s your turn: Add a sheet to your graduation spreadsheet, List the school property, Use formatting to see what you have and what you already returned, And add a calendar reminder.