Freshman Success
Nighthawk Family Guide
For Freshman SuccessHow Do I Use This Thing?! Read it through once – as questions pop up, or ideas, or suggestions, write them down in the space provided. Better yet, begin a journal with your student titled something like, "Our High School Career!" Then read the appropriate chapters as often as you need to address issues as they come up – and they will. It is the involved family that will realize the greatest success – in all aspects of life. If you choose to place this guide in a drawer, in a circular file, or any other inaccessible spot – its function is canceled and you have reduced your student’s opportunities for success. It is certainly not the answer to all questions, not perfect, but useful and a continuous growing document – with your help. We will ask for your comments and questions so that we can continuously improve our guide and our process – in support of your success. Use it!
Contents: I. Introduction: Free At Last! Sorry, no!! Page 2
II. The Social Dilemma. Too Much Freedom? Page 3
III. Be Prepared! Every Day In Every Way! Page 5
IV. Setting Goals and Meeting Them. Page 6
V. Advice From The Teachers – How To Be A Partner! Page 7
VI. Note Taking: Work Smarter, Not Harder! Page 9
VII. Homework. Every Night, Every Class! Page 10
VIII. Projects, Timelines, Deadlines. Arrrg! Page 12
IX. Oh, No! A Test! What Do WE Do? Page 13
X. I’m Stressed, My Kid’s Stressed! Help! Page 15
XI. Conflicts – Handling and Resolving. Page 16
XII. Who Do I Talk To? Page 17
XIII. Is There Life After High School? Page 18
XIV. It Takes A Triangle! School, Student, Parent! Page 19 Suggested Chapters: See! We are already asking for your help!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2
Introduction: Free At Last! Sorry, No!
Every parent! Every parent feels as though their level of responsibility for supervision will decrease when their student reaches high school. In fact – the opposite is true. A greater level of diligence and attention must be paid if your freshman is to achieve the success you want for them and that they are capable of doing.
While they are certainly gaining some maturity and should be assuming greater responsibility for their own success, the reality is that they are not adults and require your attention if they are to stay on course and not be distracted by the million new interests available to them at the high school level. If they were truly mature enough to be fully responsible for themselves we would send them off to the mill to earn a living and require them to send a little money home to help with the mortgage. They are not there – we must provide continued and consistent supervision.Your student will tell you – in very clear language – to back off. You need to smile and tell them that you will do so where ever possible – BUT, that you will remain vigilant in assisting them in achieving their goals. Be the parent, for at least four more years. High school is a whole new ball game. It is not a continuation of middle school. Here the tool of measurement is the product
; a demonstration that knowledge has been gained and can be applied to new and more difficult situations. While high school teachers certainly strive to continue the good work of middle school teachers in teaching process and effort – the measure of success is the end PRODUCT. The test, quiz, paper, project... etcetera. Too many students – and parents – believe that if they work hard they will automatically receive good grades. Effort is certainly a key to success, but is not rewarded without a clear PRODUCT demonstration of, not just understanding, but KNOWING. This "workbook" is intended to assist the parent in understanding some of the differences that will be encountered in the high school – and provide a few tips on how success can be achieved. The old concept of "sink or swim" results in a high number of drownings, certainly not what you want for your student. Read this book all the way through, and then refer to whatever chapter gives you the most assistance in any given situation.We would also appreciate any feedback you can provide so that we can continue to improve the book and further help the parents of freshmen in their so important first year as a Nighthawk. There are places throughout the book for you to write ideas or questions, and our e-mail addresses have been provided so that you can directly speak to us. Enjoy our effort and let us know if it helps.
Good Luck On Your New Adventure!
The Social Dilemma. Too Much Freedom?
Extra curricular activities, clubs and organizations are a wonderful and necessary part of high school. These give the student the opportunity to learn and develop to their maximum talents, skills and potential. But there can be too much. Many students attend school simply for the social scene.
• Make sure there is a balance between academic and social activities.
• Get to know the other parents in the school. Attend open house and back to school night in order to meet the teachers and other parents.
• Join the Nighthawk Parent Organization and be a part of helping the school.
• Be a motivator for your student. Encourage them to take part in hobbies, school activities and sports.
• Get involved with these activities along with your student.
• Attend the parent meetings, sporting events and performances so that you get to meet the participants, coaches and directors.
• Limit the amount of outside school social activities. Students should not have many activities on school nights.
• Keep these criteria in mind when helping your student choose activities:
o It must not harm anyone.
o It should benefit the student in addition to being enjoyable.
o It must be fun for him/her.
o It must be alcohol and drug-free.
Parent Alert! Know where your children are and what they are doing at all times—you are ultimately responsible for them.
Parent Alert! Make sure your student has access to you at all times. If they need assistance, you must be there to help them out of a bad
• Help your student make smart choices:
o Think before they act
o Keep a clear head—no alcohol or harmful drugs
o Gather all the facts
o Imagine the consequences of each choice
o Remember your values and goals
o Ask others you respect for advice
o Be honest with yourself and others
o Know all your options
o Don’t give into peer pressure
o Practice makes perfect
Questions, Ideas, Suggestions:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent Alert! Your participation in your student’s school is a clear message that education is important. Non-participation is a clear negative message. Be a parent first.
Get involved, get involved, get involved!!
Be Prepared Every Day in Every Way
Make sure that your student understands that he/she is expected to be prepared for school each and every day in order to be successful. When your student leaves the house you should know that you have done everything to prepare them for a successful day at school.
Establish a regular bedtime. Eight hours of sleep is a must! Make sure that backpacks with homework and other needed materials are prepared the night before so that there is not a panic or rush in the morning.
Help your student think about what they will wear and make sure that they follow the school dress code.
Help your student start the day in a positive way by modeling a positive attitude. It can be contagious-if you are positive your kids will be, too.
Allow plenty of time to get ready for school.
Be sure to eat breakfast—the most important meal of the day.
Encourage your student to be on time each and every day. This includes conference days – attendance is mandatory.
Help your student plan ahead for long-term assignments and projects. Keep a calendar for long-term projects where you can make intermittent checks on their progress.
Provide your student with a planner and check that they use it.
Questions, Ideas, Suggestions:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6
Setting Goals and Meeting Them
Goals are an important part of high school. Do you know what your student wants to accomplish during high school and after graduation? Successful people get that way by planning and following through on their plans.
Goals 9th graders should set Keep track of all assignments in an assignment notebook.
Turn in all homework
Use conference period to check progress, make up quizzes and tests, and get extra help.
Check individual progress by obtaining a progress report from the counselor’s office and asking their teacher to fill it out.
Try not to compare your student to others. They are different and probably have different goals from those of their friends and their family.
Talk with your student about their dreams. Consider journaling with your student.
Work with your student to write his goals and post them.
Be aware of what is expected of your student in high school. Read the student handbook with your student.
Help your student develop both long-term (get a scholarship) and short-term (pass the first test) goals.
Keep the goals realistic and obtainable, while maintaining a healthy challenge. Help your student make "bite-size" goals and reward them for all successes. Success is a step by step process - not one giant leap.
Setting priorities will save you and your student time.
Make time in your week to check the progress of your student’s goals.
NOW IS THE PERFECT TIMETOSTART THAT JOURNAL. WRITE DOWN THE GOALS DREAMS, AND ASPIRATIONS AS THE INTRODUCTION – THEN ENJOY!Questions, Ideas, Suggestions:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ , 7
ADVICE FROM A TEACHER- HOW TO BE A PARTNER
Your student has many teachers, but the parents remain the relative constant. The parent has an extremely active role to enhance what the teacher attempts to do during the class period. This type of reinforcement becomes a successful tool in the life-long learning process. Wise parents build relationships with teachers.
⎫ Best advice: Attend open house or any parent meetings involving the teacher and school. Your involvement will reflect education is important to you. If you absolutely cannot attend email or call to find out what was missed.
⎫ If the teacher has a web page refer to it weekly.
⎫ Keep a copy of the curriculum, rules, responsibilities and expectations for yourself. Have a folder marked 2005-2006 school year. Refer to this if you have questions regarding the class.
⎫ Learn the teacher’s process. How soon is homework due? How often does a quiz occur and tests? How often are grades given to students?
⎫ Encourage your student to attend conference periods!
⎫ Email a teacher whenever a question arises. Do not wait until it is too late. The email should be short and to the point.
⎫ Avoid speaking for your student; have the student go see the teacher to address questions and report home to you.
⎫ Tests, quizzes, and homework assignments are returned to your student. Ask your student to share the results and, if need be, brainstorm ways to improve.
⎫ Post the following on a bulletin board for you and your student:
SCHEDULE: Class/Subject TEACHER EMAIL/Phone no
PERIOD 1 (thru 6) ___________________________________________________
⎫ Teachers are there for the students. Feel free to contact the teacher for any question. Don’t wait for a problem to develop.
⎫ Select a specific class and ask questions concerning the subject matter, how well they are doing, and what do they like best about the class.
⎫ Let your student know they can get help from others if they are having difficulty in the subject matter. A sibling or classmate or a tutor.
8
⎫ Have your student keep track of their own test grades, quiz grades and graded homework assignments. Keep papers in a folder for future reference.
⎫ Become familiar with the student/parent handbook and read all information from school.
⎫ If your student is absent from school remember to remind your student to see the teacher during the conference time. Ask classmates what was covered in class.
⎫ Attendance in class IS extremely important. There is a correlation between attendance and grades in class. Attendance is one of the keys to success.
⎫ A parent’s view of teachers affects their student’s attitude. Parents need to see the teachers as allies and create a positive attitude.
Questions, Ideas, Suggestions: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9
Note Taking: Work Smarter, Not Harder!
Listening and note-taking are two critical classroom survival skills. Without intentional, focused listening, taking accurate notes is impossible. Without effective class notes, learning and retention are greatly reduced. Note-taking should be one of your child’s top priorities among all of the study skills. It provides a reference that may be reviewed many times as an aid to memory. Good note-taking methods will make life easier and will help the ongoing process of learning become more meaningful. Teach your student to:
Tips On Taking Effective/Efficient Classroom Notes:
Before Class:o Skim or review any text/material assigned or from previous notes
o Have all necessary materials (paper, pencil/pen, etc.
o INTENDTO BE ANACTIVE LISTENER AND NOTETAKER
o Date and head paper before class to save time.
o Use 8 ½" x 11" lined paper and black ink/pencil.
o Write legibly – you want to read your noteslater.
o Develop and use a personal shorthand.
o STAY FOCUSED!
During Class:
o Write main ideas
If the teacher emphasizes or repeats it - it is IMPORTANT!
Write down details, explanations, examples, supportive information
Watch for signals of importance:
• Written on the board!
• Important remarks:
o "don’t forget" "this is an important reason" "payspecial attention to"
• Teacher’s physical gestures:
o Pointing, listing with fingers facial expressions,pounding on or jumping on desk.
o Voice change in speed, volume pitch
o Raise your hand and ASK!
o Don’t stoptaking notes until the teacher says todo so!
Don’t pack up ten minutes prior to the end of class!
After Class:
o Ask the teacher questions if appropriate.
o Ask another student to help fill in blanks.
o REVIEW YOUR NOTES WITHIN 24 HOURS OR YOU WILL FORGET EVERYTHING – EVERY SINGLETHING!
. ). . . , : , 10
HOMEWORK….EVERY NIGHT, EVERY CLASS!
The transition from middle school to high school is an exciting and challenging time for students and parents. Your student is aware of the importance of completing their homework, but reinforcement from a parent needs to occur. Now is the time to develop good time management skills and responsibility. Parents should only monitor the homework, and not do it for them.⎫ Purchasing the Ironwood Ridge Planner is the most helpful tool for your freshman student. Encourage your student to use this on a daily basis. Check it!
⎫ Have a specific place for your student to do homework. A desk in their room or in a special place in the home. Have it equipped with the necessary materials.
⎫ Keep the area/desk neat and organized. Have your student clean out unimportant papers once a week.
⎫ REMEMBER: IRONWOOD RIDGE DOES NOT HAVE LOCKERS; YOUR STUDENT SHOULD HAVE ALL THE BOOKS HOME AT ALL TIMES.
⎫ Be aware of your student’s learning style. Are they a visual learner, an auditory learner? Recommend adjustments to fit their needs.
⎫ Give your student a positive word, thoughts to reinforce the time spent studying. Increase a TV allowance of a certain number of minutes or hours per week, increase use of phone time, allow for additional fun time on the weekend to reinforce good study habits.
⎫ Respect your student’s time to do homework. Be considerate of the noise level and minimize the interruptions occurring.
⎫ Let your student determine his or her own homework time. Stick to the plan.
⎫ A "minimum" of two hours of homework per night is expected at the high school.
⎫ Homework does occur every night. Even if they do not have written homework, they should read or go over lecture notes.
⎫ Have your student work on the subject that is not his favorite first then proceed to the others. Think about doing school work one step at a time.
⎫ Semester projects need to be broken up into small segments. Ask your student what the due date is and then work toward the completion of it.
⎫ Encourage a good work ethic. Encourage responsibility.
11
⎫ As a parent, reinforce quality homework time, not quantity.
⎫ Ask your student to show and explain to you the finished project.
⎫ Look for an opportunity to discuss with your student what is going on at school.
Questions, Ideas, Suggestions:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 12
PROJECTS, TIME LINES, DEADLINES
⎫ When questions arise regarding school activities, extra curricular activities, vacations, and other changes in the schedule at Ironwood Ridge High School the student planner handbook is the best reference guide.
⎫ Grading periods for the 2006-2007 school year (changes sometimes occur):
⎫ 1st Aug 10 – Oct. 6
⎫ 2nd Oct 16 – Dec. 21
⎫ End of 1st semester…. Subject grades stay on transcript
⎫ 3rd Jan. 8 – March 16
⎫ 4th Mar. 26 – May 24
⎫ End of 2nd semester…Subject grades stay on transcript
⎫ REMINDER: Progress reports occur every 4 ½ weeks. These are only for your knowledge on how your student is doing. They arrive in the mail….if you do not get one call the school and verify your address.
⎫ If your student is in an extra curricular activity or sport, become informed regarding AIA regulations and expectations. Grades are important.
⎫ Become aware of the 2006-2007 school calendars. Pay attention to when half-days and vacations occur. Try to schedule family vacations at times other than during school days.
⎫ Meeting deadlines for projects is a must. Stay alert to your student’s stress level. Final exams which occur at the end of the semester are a stressful time.
Question, Ideas, Suggestions:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13
Oh No! A Test! What Do WE Do?!
In order for your student to do well on a test he must know the subject matter as well as how to take the test. Research indicates that as many as twenty percentage points can be gained simply by using good test tools. Probably the most important are to intend to do well on the test and to have a positive mental attitude. If a student can understand that testing is an essential part of the learning process and that he can actually learn from it, he is ahead of the game. Teach him to do the following:
How To DO the Test TakingProcess:
Before the test:o Study the teacherfor clues as to what’s important.
o In class – notes and review, ask questions, ask otherstudents
o At home – with the parent’s help!
List concepts you think are important – and study every night for 15 to 20 minutes.
Organize your studymaterials – be focused.
Review notes, handouts, study sheets, 3"x 5" cards, texts,course outlines, assignments, old tests – all ofit!
FORM A STUDY GROUP – makesure it is not a party group. PARENTSNEED TO SUPERVISE AND PROVIDE FOOD AND DRINKS AND BREAKS!
Get a good nights rest every night – not just the night before the test.
Have the positive attitude that you’ve studied and will do well onthe test.
: ,
PARENT ALERT IFYOU WANT SUCCESS YOUR STUDENTMUST HAVE A SPECIFIC PLACE, SPECIFIC TIME, AND REAL SUPERVISION DURINGSTUDY TIME. DON’T JUST ASSUME IT ISBEING DONE – ALL WATER RUNS DOWN HILL!
Just Before The Test:o Arrive early and get organized – materials and mind.
o Settle in and get comfortable – take deep breaths.
o Don’t talkto other students about the test – itwill confuse you.
o Trust your knowledge and skills
During The Test:
o USE YOUR TIME WISELY!
Put your name on all pages of test, write key words or phrases in margins look over the entiretest briefly,budget your time, read all directions with care, ignore other students, create outlines before doing essays, answerALL questions, go back to questions you were unsure of – the answer may have popped up.
14 . t , t , o You are STUCK! Break the question down into small units – the big picture may betoo big
Look for the cue or clue wordsand definehem individually
Rereadthe answer choices and eliminate the obvious
Think about similar questions.
Visualize the question.
Put thequestion in your own words.
Draw a picture or diagram sothat you can really see it.
o Check your answer ifyou have time – don’t sigh the big sigh and turn it in early.
Are your answers readable?
Are answers in the correct space?
Look at your answers and use that brain!
After The Test:
o Review your returned test.
To avoid repeated mistakes.
Read all the teacher’s comments – they willhelp with future tests.
Look for specifics tohelp in the future.
• Types of questionsyou answer well.
• Types of questions you did not answer well.
• Did you budget time well?
• What amount of the test came from the class notes outside reading, assignments, anddiscussions?
Pay attention to class discussion of the test.
Keep the test – there is a final exam to prepare for and manyteachers usequestions from previous tests.
Check the points – even teachers make tha rare mistake.
o If you did poorly – GET HELP!
From: teacher, family, friends tutor – DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE SEMESTER GRADE IS IN JEOPARDY!
PARENT ALERT! WHEN YOUR STUDENTTELLS YOU HE IS READY FOR THE TEST – SMILE! – THEN TEST HIM ON THE MATERIAL WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE THAT IF HE IS NOT READY YOU CAN HELP!
Questions, Ideas, Suggestions:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I’M STRESSED; MY KID’S STRESSED. Help!!
Stress can be defined as pressure from outside that can make your student feel tense inside. Stress is a part of everyone’s life and it affects everyone differently. It can be beneficial and/or destructive. It can also be self-induced.
• Stress is everywhere & with us all of the time. Stress can come from big or small changes in life or from reoccurring events.
• Some kinds of stress are actually helpful. It keeps you on your toes, increases motivation, sharpens your senses and allows you to be at your best for taking a test or running a marathon. Don’t eliminate all stress from life but learn to manage it effectively.
• Too much stress can seriously affect physical and mental well-being.
BE AWARE OF THE SIGNS OF STRESS IN YOUR STUDENT
• Sleep disturbances
• Appetite changes, diarrhea, constipation & frequent urination
• Chest pain, pounding heart, tingling hands or feet & feeling of panic
• Headaches, backaches, tight muscles, knotted stomach & stiff neck
• Burned out—can’t seem to get things finished or caught up
• Errors and mistakes—memory loss, stumble or drop things
• Unfinished grief—feeling of sad and empty
• Inability to make a decision
• Unexplained fears & insecurities
• Embarrassment or guilt—feelings of low self-esteem or unworthiness
• Depression—sadness, low self-esteem and anger turned inward
• Use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco
• Frustration and feelings upset
• Emotional--temper outbursts, emotional, cries easily
• Energy slump—negative attitudes, loss of hope and depression
WAYS TO ASSIST YOUR STUDENT TO HANDLE STRESS. Teach your student to:
• Talk it out—confide in a friend, teacher or counselor
• Develop a plan—and act on it
• Get a good night’s sleep--at least 8 hours
• Keep healthy—eat healthful foods and get plenty of rest
• Maintain a sense or humor—learn to laugh about things
• Be a participant--don’t get bored and dwell on problems
• Have a positive attitude—see the good things in life
• Know your limits—don’t fight a situation that can’t be changed
• Trust your judgment—take pride in yourself
Develop a "Stress Plan" in your journal. Include the entire family!
Parent Alert! Stress ignored is a path to potential disaster!
15 16
Conflicts-Handling and Resolving Or Live With The Reality
Conflicts happen. Teach your student how to handle them. You are the role model.
Encourage your student to resolve their conflicts on their own whenever possible. Get to know your student’s teachers early in the year, during non-conflict times. It is much easier to talk about a negative topic if you have had positive experiences in the past.
Make sure that you get all the facts. Listen to the other person’s point of view.
Avoid automatically siding with your student or the teacher.
Avoid approaching a teacher when you are angry.
Express your feelings clearly, calmly and honestly.
If a teacher calls to discuss a problem ask for specifics. Find out exactly what the problem is and possible solutions.
Try to find a "win-win" solution - it will involve compromise.
If your student has a conflict that they can’t resolve on their own or with your help, refer them to the appropriate adult.
Your student needs to learn how to work with all kinds of people. It is not realistic to expect them to like everyone, but it is realistic for them to learn to work with all kinds of people.
Parent Alert! Not all conflict resolution will go your way. There are times when you have to trust the professionals. Continuing a conflict may do more harm than good.
Questions, Ideas, Suggestions
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17
WHO DO I TALK TO?
If your student is having a problem in a particular class, subject or with a teacher, the first person to contact is the teacher. This can be done in a couple of different ways:
• Email the teacher: All teachers in the Amphitheater Public Schools have an email account. The addresses can be accessed from the IRHS Website: http://www.amphi.com/schools/irhs/
• Call the teacher: Call before 8:30 a.m. or after 3:05, or during conference periods. Telephone numbers can be found on the syllabus from each teacher.
• For all questions regarding class schedules, class changes, family or personal problems, peer mediating, etc., call or email your student’s counselor and teachers.
Counselors:
Eileen Jonaitis ejonaiti@amphi.com (520) 696-3926Todd Slaney tslaney@amphi.com (520)696-3922
Marva Jeffers mjeffers@amphi.com (520) 696-3923Dave Goldberg dgoldberg@amphi.com (520) 696-3925
Carrie Lujan clujan@amphi.com (520) 696-3921 Leah Evans levans@amphi.com (520) 696-3921Counseling Secretary:
Madelyne Sloan msloan@amphi.com (520)696-3933
Assistant Principals and the Principal are available if you are not satisfied with the solution(s) presented by the teacher or counselor.
People and numbers you need to remember:
-_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________18
IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?
It depends! On how well you plan for it. And, yes, now is the time to start planning. Knowing where you might be headed enables you to take the best and most efficient path. You will be amazed at how quickly time will pass and you will find yourself watching your student accept a diploma. What are you going to do with it? Of course you can always continue to support your student while they relax at home – IS THAT WHAT YOU REALLY WANT?
Probably not, so:
⎫ Talk to your student about future college and career possibilities. Ask questions about interests, favorite subjects in school. A career that is interest based is a career that is successful and satisfying.
⎫ Once you have narrowed things down – research the path that your student needs to follow. Write it down, in detail. Make a check list.
⎫ Education requirements.
⎫ Experiential requirements.
⎫ Money, money, money requirements.
⎫ Service requirements – school and community.
⎫ Internships.
⎫ Summer college or work experiences or requirements. Summer should not be all vacation – at least half or it (six weeks) should point toward the career goal, the education goal, THE GOAL!
Too many students – and parents - wait until the last minute to think about what is needed to actually reach their ultimate goal. Every day that passes without a clear plan is a day lost, never to be recovered. Don’t get left in the dust.
Plan, plan, plan!
The Plan Questions, Ideas, Suggestions:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
It Takes A Triangle! School, Student, Parent!
Wouldn’t it be nice to have an entire village looking after your student? You might actually be able to take a break now and then. Unfortunately, village student sitting services are becoming very rare. Therefore, the only really attentive advocate for your student’s success today and in the future is you and the few others charged with their well being. You don’t have to be a super parent – just one that cares and is attentive and available. Do not hesitate to ask questions – it is not a sign of weakness, rather a clear indication of knowing the right thing to do to take good care of your student. Ask, ask, ask!
IRHS is working with diligence and energy to see that your student receives the best education we can provide. Each teacher gives more time then most could imagine, not just during the school day but evenings and weekends and… Well, they work very hard – beyond what is required. A good working relationship with your student’s teachers is a must. Remember that each teacher has a full quota of students, normally well over one hundred. So when you make contact, do yourself and your student the favor of staying on point, knowing that both you and the teacher have the exact same goal at all times – SUCCESS!
The student – your student – is, at minimum, 75% responsible for the acquisition of knowledge and is the one who earns the grade. Teachers can turn themselves into pretzels (and often do) with little result when the student’s attention is somewhere other than on the task. Each teacher sees each student for less than an hour each day. It is an absolute must that your partnership be present and clear in order to ensure your student’s active participation in his or her education. Let them know you expect their full participation in the process.
Ah, yes! The Parent! You are the final answer to the question of your student’s success. If you value the student and the process of education, all will be well. Be more involved than ever before! Once again, most parents think they can now take a step back and relax a little – fourteen years old, after all, means full maturity and the ability to be fully responsible for their present and future. We all know that simply is not the case. On a daily basis you must - check in, ask questions, look at the assignment book, peek at the progress of the project, do a little quizzing to see if the topic is really in the head, actually touch the completed homework... And on and on... It is a tough job, a demanding job, a frustrating job – but the results of your consistent and loving attention will be repaid a thousand fold.
Take the pledge! Make yourself and your student a promise.
I Will Be There For You!
19
