Litha: Integration & World Community
Summer Projects & College Preparation
☀️ Summer Overview
At the summer solstice, we celebrate the longest day and the fullness of light. After sophomore year, summer is a time to rest, explore, and begin preparing for the important junior year ahead. The 6th Principle—the goal of world community—reminds us that learning happens everywhere and that we're connected to a larger world.
🌻 Summer Philosophy
Summer after sophomore year is a bridge between lower and upper high school. Balance rest with preparation:
- 🌿 Rest and renewal — you've earned a break!
- 📚 Preview junior year — American Literature, Algebra II/Pre-Calc, Physics
- 🎯 College prep begins — start thinking about your future
- 🤝 Build experiences — jobs, volunteering, activities for your resume
- 🌍 Engage with the world — current events, community service, global awareness
Summer Activity Ideas
Choose activities that interest you! There's no required amount—do what brings you joy and growth.
- •Choose 2-3 books from the 11th grade reading list to get ahead
- •Read for pleasure: diverse genres and perspectives
- •Listen to audiobooks during travel or downtime
- •Join a summer reading program at your local library
- •Explore graphic novels and visual storytelling
🎓 Preparing for Junior Year
Junior year is often considered the most important for college preparation. Here's what's coming:
11th Grade Preview
- • English III: American Literature
- • Algebra II or Pre-Calculus
- • Physics
- • U.S. Government & Economics
College Prep Timeline
- • Summer: Research colleges, take practice tests
- • Fall: Take SAT/ACT, visit colleges
- • Winter: Narrow college list
- • Spring: Finalize plans, prepare applications
📝 Optional Summer Project
Consider a Summer Passion Project that could become part of your college application:
- Choose something you're genuinely passionate about
- Set a meaningful goal (create, research, serve, build)
- Document your process and learning
- Create something to share or present
Ideas: Start a blog, create a podcast, conduct original research, lead a community project, build something, create art, write a novella, develop an app.
☀️ Litha Celebration Ideas
- 🔥 Build a bonfire or have a candle ceremony at sunset
- 🌻 Create a summer solstice altar with sunflowers and bright colors
- 🌅 Watch the sunrise or sunset on the longest day
- 🍉 Have a summer feast with seasonal foods
- ✨ Write intentions for the coming year
- 🎉 Celebrate completing sophomore year!