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Surviving and THRIVING in High School

Surviving and THRIVING in High School. Orientation for parents of incoming 9 th grade students May 29,2014. What we WERE going to discuss…. 90 minutes of excruciating details Preparing for tests Study skills Organizational skills Nutritional needs and how that impacts focus

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Surviving and THRIVING in High School

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  1. Surviving and THRIVING in High School Orientation for parents of incoming 9th grade students May 29,2014

  2. What we WERE going to discuss… 90 minutes of excruciating details • Preparing for tests • Study skills • Organizational skills • Nutritional needs and how that impacts focus • Sleep needs and how that impacts mood • Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah

  3. Instead, let’s discuss the nuts and bolts… Those specific things that you can do to help your child to be successful in high school: • Checking teacher websites and parent portal each day • Supervising the completion of assignments • Checking your email each day • Taking the phone/ipad/ipod/laptop at bedtime • Getting students involved at RHS • Etc. Etc. Etc.

  4. Why is all of this necessary? Because 9th graders only LOOK mature! • Frontal lobe development (anticipating consequences) isn’t complete for another 10 years. • In many ways, high school students need more supervision and guidance than they did when they were younger.

  5. So what are the details? 1. Checking teacher websites and parent portal each day. Teacher websites list what homework has been assigned, and when tests/quizzes/ or projects are due. Parent portal shows you every single grade for every single assignment and assessment.

  6. “But my kid is honest!” Checking websites and parent portal has nothing to do with trust. It has to do with the fact that teenagers can be unrealistic about the impact that their performance has on their grades. “It’s okay if I fail this marking period; I’ll just get 100 next time!”

  7. Plus, they know us SO well… Many teens have learned that the easiest answer to our questions is… “NO.” • Do you have homework? • Do you have time to help me with… • Do you have any dirty clothes (dishes) in your room? • Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? • Have any of your friends ever tried…

  8. Taking the wheel • I just checked parent portal. You’ve been doing exactly what you said…all of your homework is done and you’ve been doing great on your tests. Or… • I just checked parent portal. There are five missing homework assignments. I ask you every day about your homework. I’ll be checking your homework for completion each night, and emailing your teacher for updates.

  9. OK! I get it! I’ll check the websites and portal each day. What’s next? 2. Supervise the completion of assignmentsas well as preparation for tests and quizzes. There is almost never enough time to do homework in school, no matter what the students say. Ask to see ALL completed assignments, to make sure that directions were followed properly.

  10. Do I have to correct their work? Absolutely not. Just make sure that they completed the work and followed the directions. Math homework takes time and effort. They should be referring to their notes and trying their best to get the correct answers. Then watch them put it in an “every class” folder, and leave it by the front door.

  11. Does it matter where they do their homework? You know your child better than anyone. Some do best in the privacy and quiet of their rooms. Some will fall asleep in their rooms, and do better at the kitchen table.

  12. What about doing homework with friends? Some students do better in groups. Some students get too distracted. Some students will copy homework from your child. You know best.

  13. Why do I need to check my email each day? Teachers don’t have phones in the classroom. Email is the fastest way for parents and teachers to communicate with each other. This technology allows us to solve small problems before they become big problems.

  14. Teacher emails in my “favorites?” REALLY? It just makes it faster. Otherwise, it can take a little time… Go to the district website Then click on RHS Then click on teacher websites Then click on each individual teacher’s email

  15. Disconnecting at bedtime? Many teens text, play video games, etc. late into the night. This can lead to sleep-deprivation, which can cause them to have difficulty staying awake in school, trouble focusing, and can make them irritable.

  16. Any other tips? Get them involved. Research shows that students who participate in school sports and/or clubs get better grades and are happier. RHS has so many sports and clubs…there is truly something for everyone. Links for sports and clubs can be found on Mrs. Bates’ page in the Guidance section of the RHS website.

  17. What about school supplies? • Lots of pencils and pens • Colored pencils • Erasers • Highlighters • USB Drive • Binders and loose-leaf paper • Plastic “every class” folder • Pocket folders for individual classes • Composition books • Desk calendar to hang on the wall

  18. Thank you for coming! For more information… The RHS website has a wealth of information, including the student handbook, for which all students are responsible. Questions? Concerns? Teri Bates, Freshman Transition Counselor 732-264-8411 x1014 Webpage (Guidance section) has links for clubs, sports, and resources tbates@hazlet.org My voicemail is always on, and I check my email frequently.

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