Since this post I have almost survived 3 months of high school, what have I learned.
- It is challenging for some teens to transition from 8th to 9th grade without any growing pains.
- Talk to your teen on a regular basis about their academics and social circles.
- Utilize the guidance counselor for any questions and concerns.
- Keep an open line of communication between yourself and the teachers.
- Decisions now will highly impact applying to colleges. Based on my teen’s 1st quarter grades and the beginning of 2nd quarter my teen is moving to another math class. I am also enrolling him in Kumon for math. After moving I realized my teen attended four schools before we settled into our new school district. The lack of consistency from each school has impacted his math skills.
- Allow social interaction with their peer group and get to know the parents of the teens in your teen’s social circle.
A month of high school is DOWN! What have I learned about my teen during this transition? More than likely I can’t find enough space for all of my words.
- This is a clear lesson on the lack of time management and organizational skills
- The transition from 8th grade to 9th grade is overwhelming
- Teens are resistant to any form of help even when they need it
- He basically thinks I know nothing because as he put it “you went to high school 40 years ago”
- It is extremely difficult to teach a Generation Y teen how to organize his stuff
- If your school gives all 9th graders Ipads, why is my teen still not organized?
- It’s totally fine to reach out to all of the teachers to discuss any concerns
- It’s totally fine to reach out to the guidance counselor (who is probably 1/2 of my age) to discuss my teen’s academic success and college preparatory plans
- Consistently use the online access to review grades
- Need to stay engaged each week even if teen is annoyed
Schoology- Teen has access and can review all class schedules, assignments, tests, projects, etc.
Daily Monthly Planner- I purchased this from CVS for $4.99 thinking a visual reminder is helpful
School Website access for grades and classes-weekly visits to see grades for all classes