Three days into the start of their 12th grade year, new Dublin High School principal Dr. Toney Jordan sat down with the entire senior class to find out one thing: What are they planning to do when they leave his school?

During a special assembly held in the school's auditorium Tuesday, Jordan shared with seniors that time is not on their side. With only 177 school days standing between them and the rest of their lives, Jordan said the time to start planning is now.

“What we’re going to be doing over the next few weeks, is (start) getting you ready for the next level,” Jordan said.

The next level for these seniors is one of three options, said Jordan: college, careers or the military.

Between now and Thanksgiving, seniors must complete at least two college applications, and make plans to take the ACT, SAT or ASVAB test.

Tuesday’s meeting was the first of many expected over the course of the next nine months, with future meetings set to focus on peripheral issues including after school test prep for either of the three aforementioned exams, on-site college fairs and a financial aid fair for parents following Christmas break.

“When you walk across that stage, I'll know you're going to UGA. And I'll know you're going to Georgia Tech,” Jordan said, pointing to seniors in the front row. “I’ll know because we already did all the work to get you to that point.”

Jordan’s own experiences as a senior many years ago, coupled with his hope to give the Class of 2018 greater opportunities for successful lives, are the impetus behind these meetings, Jordan said.

“Part of my motivation is myself, I just kinda reflected (on when I was) a high school student the things I needed,” Jordan said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for some people making sure that there were some things were in place. That’s how I operate as a high principal. I have a 177 days to prepare these students for the rest of their lives, so we need to hit the ground running.”

Senior Mason Spitzmiller said she’s planning a career in nursing, and Tuesday’s meeting was a great first step toward helping her realize that dream.

“I think it’s very helpful because people can be so busy that it doesn’t really cross their mind,” said Spitzmiller, an aspiring pediatric nurse. “To have it out in front of you and know that it’s there is very, very helpful.”

The goal, said Keandre Folsom is very clear after Tuesday’s meeting.

“Getting my education, signing up for the ACT, SAT, getting the classes and prep courses taken care of, apply for college and hopefully get into college,” Folsom said.

“If I’m not preparing you for the next level then I’m doing you a disservice,” Jordan said. “I want you guys to make history. I want you to be trendsetters. And, in four years, I want to receive an invitation to your college graduation.”