Launch Pad Facilitator Guide The Launch Pad
Program Facilitator Guide: 8-Session Sprint
Status MISSION READY
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
The Launch Pad is designed for seniors who are "on the bubble." This is not a punitive group; it is an intensive support system. The goal is to move from a place of anxiety or apathy to a place of agency. We focus on transparency of data and concrete skills rather than general motivation.
SESSION STRUCTURE (30 MINUTES)
00-05m
Check-In: Quick high/low or status update. Rapport building.
05-15m
Core Content: Direct instruction or data review using slides.
15-25m
Application/Discussion: Worksheets or group sharing.
25-30m
Launch Out: Action item for the week and closing thought.
Core Focus Areas
Data Literacy
Self-Advocacy
Attendance Habits
Future Vision
Attendance Interventions
Identification Strategies
The "Early Warning" Check: Review attendance data every Monday morning. Identify students who missed Friday or the previous Monday—these are high-risk patterns.
Root Cause Analysis: Use the Attendance Barrier Breaker to distinguish between "can't" (transportation/health) and "won't" (motivation/anxiety).
Support Actions
Individual Attendance Plans (IAP): For students under 80%, create a "Safe Arrival" text check-in with a trusted staff member.
Positive Reinforcement: Don't just punish absences; celebrate "Full Weeks." Even a verbal "Glad you're here today" can reduce school avoidance.
Mission Itinerary
Session Focus Key Discussion Question 1: Kickoff Pre-survey & Norms "What is the biggest barrier between you and that stage?" 2: Credit Map Transcript & Credits "What is the one class you are most worried about?" 3: Attendance Barriers & Logistics "Is it harder to get to school or stay in class once you're here?" 4: Advocacy Teacher Comm. "How do you feel when you have to ask a teacher for help?" 5: Mindset Grit & Motivation "What does success actually look like to you?" 6: Future Post-Secondary "What is one thing you're excited for after graduation?" 7: Sprint Organization "Which missing assignment is easiest to fix today?" 8: Launch Post-survey & Plan "What are your next 10 steps after this group ends?"
Discussion Facilitation Tips
Validate, Don't Preach
Students often feel judged. Acknowledge that senior year is stressful and that feeling 'behind' is a weight, not a character flaw.
The 3-Second Pause
Wait longer than comfortable after asking a question. Give them space to fill the silence without rescuing them.
Peer Accountability
Encourage students to offer advice to each other. "Who has been in this situation before? How did you handle it?"
Keep it Real
Use their data as the motivator. It's not about 'pleasing teachers,' it's about checking off boxes to earn their freedom.
Mission Readiness Survey Pre Mission Readiness Survey
Session 1: Initial Assessment & Baseline Data
Confidential Data
Student Name
Date
01
Current Trajectory
Be honest with yourself. This group is about getting you across the stage, not judging where you are now.
1. How confident do you feel about graduating this year?
Not Confident At All
(2)
(3)
(4)
100% Certain
2. How often do you feel overwhelmed by your schoolwork?
Never
(2)
(3)
(4)
Every Day
3. What is the biggest thing holding you back right now? (Select one)
Attendance / Punctuality
Difficulty of Classes
Lack of Motivation
Home / Life Stressors
02
The Mission Ahead
In your own words, why is graduating important to you? Who are you doing this for?
What is one thing you hope to get out of this 8-week support group?
Launch Pad Code of Conduct
To ensure this space is helpful for everyone, we agree to the following norms during our 30-minute missions:
Confidentiality: What is shared in this group stays in this group.
Honesty: We share real numbers and real struggles so we can find real solutions.
Accountability: We show up on time and stay focused for the full 30 minutes.
Respect: No judgment. We are all aiming for the same goal: Graduation.
Student Signature
Facilitator Initials
Mission Briefing Slides Intro The Launch Pad
Mission:
Graduation
A senior support sprint designed to get you across the stage.
8 Sessions • 30 Minutes Each • 1 Goal
The Reality Check
01
You are on the bubble.
Based on your credits or current grades, you are at risk of not graduating with your class.
02
This isn't permanent.
We have 8 sessions to identify the barriers and build a bridge to that stage.
Current Mission Status
?
What is the one thing standing in your way right now?
The Launch Essentials
Presence
You can't pass a class you aren't in. Attendance is the base of the rocket.
Data
Knowing exactly what you owe. No more guessing or avoiding the portal.
Voice
Asking for help before it's too late. Teachers want you to succeed.
Mission Briefing
"What is the biggest thing you want to do after you get that diploma?"
Discuss with your flight crew.
Credit Audit Worksheet Credit Compass
Session 2: Navigating Your Academic Data
Mission Goal CREDIT CLARITY
Student
Counselor
Credit Inventory
Subject Area Required Earned Needed Currently Taking? English 4.0
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| Math | 3.0 / 4.0 |
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| Science | 3.0 |
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| Social Studies | 3.0 |
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| Electives | -- |
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| TOTAL | -- |
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| Reflects final goal |
Critical Focus: The "Danger Zone" Classes
List the classes you are currently failing or at risk of failing:
Class 1
Current Grade
Class 2
Current Grade
Immediate Action Item
"If I passed , I would be on track for graduation."
What is the very first step you need to take for this class? (e.g., Turn in missing project, talk to teacher, attend tutoring)
Mission Log and Tracker Mission Log
Weekly Progress & Habit Tracker
Target GRADUATION
Student Name
Week #
Date
Attendance Audit
Mark each day you were present and on time this week.
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
The "Big 3" Mission Objectives
What are the three most critical things you need to finish before next session?
1
2
3
Obstacle of the Week
What got in your way this week?
Wins of the Week
What did you actually get done?
Facilitator Status Update
On Track
Needs Support
Attendance Barrier Breaker Worksheet Attendance Barrier Breaker
Session 3: Cracking the Code on Why We Stay Home
Mission 90%+ CLUB
The 90% Rule
You can be the smartest person in the room, but you can't learn if you're not in the room. For most of us, missing school isn't just about "being lazy"—there's usually a specific wall in the way. Today, we identify the wall and build a ladder over it.
Step 1: Identify the "Wall"
The Morning Grind
Can't wake up / Alarm issues
Transportation / Car trouble
Helping family / Siblings
The School Vibe
Feeling behind / Anxiety
Conflicts with staff/students
Class is "boring" or "useless"
The Internal Battery
Mental health / Burnout
Physical health / Chronic pain
"I just don't care today"
Step 2: Build the Ladder
My #1 biggest barrier to getting to school on time is:
The "Small Win" Solution:
The "Ask for Help" Solution:
Flash Discussion:
"If school started at 11:00 AM instead of 8:00 AM, would your attendance improve? Why or why not? Be honest—is it about the clock, or about the destination?"
Attendance Habits Slides Habit Hacking
Cracking the
Attendance Code
Because you can't graduate from your couch.
The 90% Rule
The Law of Presence
Students with 90% attendance or higher have a 98% chance of graduating.
The Danger Zone
Missing just 2 days a month puts you in the "Chronic Absence" zone.
"Attendance is the only grade you start with an A in. Your only job is to keep it."
What is your "Wall"?
The Morning Grind
Alarms, siblings, transportation, or just "not a morning person."
The School Vibe
Anxiety, feeling behind, or drama. Staying home feels "safer."
The Battery
Burnout, health, or just losing the "why" behind school.
3 Hacks to Try Tomorrow
1
The "Launch Night" Prep
Pack the bag, pick the fit, and set the alarm 15 mins early—at night.
2
The Accountability Text
Text a friend: "I'm coming tomorrow. See you at the lockers?"
3
The 5-Minute Rule
Tell yourself: "I'll go for just 5 minutes. If I still want to leave, I'll talk to my counselor."
Advocacy Script Cards Voice Power
Session 4: Self-Advocacy & Communication Scripts
Mission: Advocacy
The Golden Rule of Advocacy
Advocating for yourself isn't about making excuses. It's about taking ownership. When you approach a teacher with a plan instead of a problem, they are much more likely to help you cross the finish line.
Situation: Missing Work
The Approach:
"Hi [Teacher Name], I know I've missed some assignments lately and I'm really motivated to catch up so I can graduate. Can you tell me which two assignments would be the most important for me to complete this week to bring my grade up?"
Own the mistake Ask for priority
Situation: Confused
The Approach:
"I'm really struggling with [Topic]. I want to do well, but I'm feeling stuck. Do you have 5 minutes after class or during lunch when I could ask a few specific questions to get back on track?"
Specific topic Respect their time
Situation: Professional Email
The Email:
Subject: Question regarding [Class Name] grade
Dear [Teacher Name],
I am writing to check in on my current progress. I am working hard to ensure I graduate this spring. Are there any makeup opportunities available? I can stay after school on [Day] if needed.
Your Turn
Which teacher do you need to talk to this week?
What is your "ask"?
Eye Contact
Show them you are engaged and serious.
Timing
Don't ask during the middle of a lecture.
Attitude
Kindness goes a long way. Be polite.
Mission Readiness Survey Post Mission Success Survey
Session 8: Final Assessment & Graduation Readiness
Launch Ready
End-of-Program Data
Student Name
Date
01
Trajectory Check
1. How confident do you feel about graduating right now?
Not Confident At All
(2)
(3)
(4)
I'm Crossing That Stage!
2. Which of these skills do you feel more comfortable with after this group? (Check all that apply)
Tracking my own credits/grades
Talking to teachers about my work
Organizing my time/attendance
Asking for help when I'm stuck
02
The Final Push
What was the most helpful part of this 8-session group?
What is your "Number 1 Priority" for the remaining weeks of high school?
Beyond the Stage: My 3-Month Plan
1
Graduation Date:
2
My primary goal after graduation (Work, College, Military, Trade):
3
One person I can reach out to if I get stuck:
"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle."
Mission Accomplished
