Disastrous Freshman Year
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Anonymous
You are right. Other than grades, DC had a great (non-disastrous) year. I meant grades with the thread, just to see if people had advice about how to use the summer to help get on track. The suggestions have been very helpful. |
Anonymous
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OP to the best of my knowledge nearly all Magnet kids get into UMD so I wouldn’t be overly concerned about college admissions. I am glad he is willing to come down a level with Math that will help ito grades and also ito a better learning experience in this important foundational subject. In addition to better time management and paying closer attention to grades (as early warning signs) also be strategic about how many standardized tests he takes and when. He should try to take the SAT in the summer before 11th grade and take 2 SAT subject tests in the summer as soon as he completes the basic high school class in that subject. So take Math 2 now before he forgets PreCalculus take Biology after 10th grade If he has good standardized test scores that will help. Try not to take too many AP exams because they don’t matter too much and for a student who has trouble with time management it is very difficult to “self study “ Focus on GPA during school year and standardized tests in summer. No need to take more than 2 or maybe 3 AP exams per year. Most Magnet teachers offer homework help during lunch. If you can afford it consider a tutor. 11 th grade is really tough so be ready to support your child. SRP is a valuable experience but it is not mandatory and some kids opt out. Most important make sure your child is continuing to enjoy the program. Mental health should be the top priority. Keep hugging your child!
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Anonymous
I don’t think there’s opt in magnet for HS in MCPS. |
Anonymous
Wow — thank you! This is really helpful! |
Anonymous
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NP and HS magnet teacher here. Your son probably just experienced the first classes that he actually needs to put time into studying for, and he probably doesn't know what studying looks like. I see a lot of students who have just coasted through middle school by "being smart" and thinking they only need to "remember" what is covered in class. Students often think they understand material because they can follow along with what the teacher is doing, but they don't recognize that they can't work independently with different material. Magnet classes are fast paced and demand critical thinking of students. They need to take basic concepts and apply them in new and different situations. In order to do this well and consistently, students need to practice, and some may need to practice more than just whatever homework is assigned by the teacher.
I would look at your son's classes for next year and do some preview practice (Like KhanAcademy) over the summer and maybe search up some good youtube channels for lectures on his subjects. Then during the year, make sure he is doing some additional studying beyond what is assigned in each of his courses. |
Anonymous
Adhd symptoms with child or in family?. |
Anonymous
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OP, your son sounds like a good kid & you soundlike a very loving, patient & understanding mom. He probably just needs a little guidance but doesn't know how to ask.
Freshman year is intimidating for them all, however some kids just have a way of rolling through it better... they like a challenge (fyi, my kid is NOT like this, lol!). Whether that means they're better organized, or they make sure they get enough sleep during the week, maybe they're self starters; so they don't procrastinate and wait until the last minute to complete/hand-in homework/graded assignments, or some kids can see the writing on the wall & know that they're in over their head & make a choice to ask for help (instead of waiting until the bad report card comes around to have that difficult discussion, they are proactive about it). Let's be honest though, most kids don't want to rock the boat until it's absolutely necessary (ie; report cards are sent home). I've heard that some kids can even self regulate their online/social media/texting so they only use it for let's say one hour each afternoon/evening (I've never actually met a teen who can do this, but I hear they're out there & live amongst us in the wild). No child can be ALL responsible ALL the time; just like every child can be successful with at least ONE of these if they really try (or at least a modified version / something similar to these). OP, think of your son's strengths & speak to him about this past year... really communicate with him. Without a single shred of judgment or disappointment, ask him where he thinks he struggled, what was most challenging for him this year & also where he SHINED (and tell him you want specifics, as that is the only way you can help him, so "I dont know" isn't acceptable). If need be, give him some of these examples to guide him if he can't think of any himself. In the future, tell him that when he sees that he's struggling, to come to you immediately so you can assist him in researching help for him. As long as he comes to you proactively, be supportive & understanding (but he needs to understand that proactive means long BEFORE report cards are issued each quarter, when he still has time to fix his grade). He'll find his stride Sophomore year & if he doesn't, he has you to help him figure out why he's not. Good luck to you. |
Anonymous
Reach out to the teachers-especially in the classes where he got Cs to see if you can figure out whether it was a lack of subject mastery or poor study skills. If it is the former ask the teachers if your child needs to review material over the summer using Khan academy or perhaps a tutor. This is especially important in Math. The Magnet teachers in my experience are likely to be helpful ito guidance. I recommend you get some feedback from them before you talk to your child about the best way forward. It is important that his self confidence and love for school remains strong. |
Anonymous
| OP here — thank you all again for taking the time to respond! Very grateful and feeling much less helpless. Will definitely follow your super helpful advice and suggestions. |
Anonymous
Good luck OP and wanted to reiterate my advice to write to the teachers. The Magnet teachers are generally very caring and kind- especially the Math teachers. |
Anonymous
Welcome to MCPS. Your kid is drowning academically. You do not need to do anything because in just a few seconds we will lower the standards so that he will do very well...1...2...3.... |
Anonymous
Is this a code for race? URMs can opt in? |
Anonymous
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My DS will be taking a study skills and organizational skills class this summer at Montgomery College "SOS for High School Students". Maybe something like that would help?
https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/workforce-development-continuing-education/youth-programs/summer/study-skills/index.html |
Anonymous
What is wrong with you? |
Anonymous
| Not your fault. Your kid was not given a rigorous education in MCPS middle schools. |