The real shame here is that a kid's performance in 6th and 7th grade can affect his/her high school GPA. And don't kid yourself, that is potentially a big deal, particularly if the kid has ambitions to apply to ultra-elite colleges.

For those asking, high school level courses taught in middle school do indeed earn high school credit and are included in the cumulative GPA. I believe that includes A/B foreign language classes, Algebra I, Geometry, and I suppose in OB's child's case, Algebra II as well.

I have a kid who just finished 10th grade. For four semesters of high school he's had straight A's. The only thing keeping him from a perfect 4.0 at this point is a 6th grade B in Spanish I A/B, and an 8th grade second semester B in Geometry.

I think capable middle schoolers should certainly be taking these classes and earning credit, but I don't think they should be counted toward high school GPA. OP's kid got a B in Geometry in 7TH GRADE, that should be celebrated as a huge achievement (most advanced math kids in MCPS take Geometry in 8th, so this kid is extremely advanced). Instead, OP is concerned about the ultimate effect on her child's GPA, and her concern is legitimate.

Anonymous wrote:
Sometimes a "B" can be character-building. She'll double down next time, not coast.

I was an all-A student until I got my first truly bad grade on a writing exercise in 10th grade. Oh, boy! I'd transfered into a different school and didn't realize the new expectations. I learned to write better because that "D" was a huge wake-up call.

In grad school, I was summa all the way and graduated with distinction. But, oh boy, stats kicked my ass. It was humbling as I realized that this was what other people in my cohort felt about all their classes.

Knowing where you have to be vigilant is a gift. I wouldn't knock the B, I'd learn from it---even if you end up being successful in having it removed.

Good luck navigating this period. If tutoring or prep is required to keep DC on course, you should move forward on that without stigma. My children have always had a tutor. It's not value-laden, it's just what we do.

Thank you for good positive words.

DC is a humble, hardworking well liked kid. I am amazed at some very strong comments here, a simple q was, would a 'B' on Geometry impact college admissions, thank you to those who were able to provide feedback. DC is disappointed with the final exam grade because the exam did not seem that difficult and DC was able to do the harder questions also towards the end of the exam. There is no obsession here for 'A's rather I also believe in grasping the content and get all concepts. A discussion on another thread about how MS grades impact HS transcript and college admissions made me ask this question when we received the report card yesterday. So thanks to all who were able to provide their input.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would have her retake. Getting a B is not acceptable. If you want to keep up and get her into a good college, she should be working all summer and take the class again. Consider taking away all privileges next fall until the grade improves.

I hope you are trolling and are not actually deranged.

I was thinking the same thing! But who knows... this is DCUM after all!

Anonymous wrote:What did your child get on the January semester exam?

'B'.

Anonymous wrote:I would have her retake. Getting a B is not acceptable. If you want to keep up and get her into a good college, she should be working all summer and take the class again. Consider taking away all privileges next fall until the grade improves.

I hope you are trolling and are not actually deranged.

What did your child get on the January semester exam?

Anonymous wrote:Will someone explain why a middle school grade will show up on a high school transcript? If she retakes it, will the B be taken off the record and the retaken class will be the only one that shows?

Geometry in seventh grade and algebra 2 in 8th? I did both of those in ninth and tenth, respectively, at a big three.

MCPS is insane, they are worried about their rankings which directly affect the real estate and economy. They push honors/AP classes to the detriment of the health of children.

Anonymous wrote:College instructor here: please, for the love of God, use this as a character building lesson in gracefully accepting disappointment. Your daughter needs to know: earning a B is not the end of the world, earning a B will not ruin her life, earning a B will not ruin her academic record, her chances of going to a great college, or her career. Sometimes we try and we don't reach our goals. That's okay. You review, think about what you could could have realistically done differently, and then you let it go.

But you see no issue with a 7th grader taking Honor Geometry? Do you not see the tree or do you only see the forest.

It is the child that is the problem in this scenario?

Will someone explain why a middle school grade will show up on a high school transcript? If she retakes it, will the B be taken off the record and the retaken class will be the only one that shows?

Geometry in seventh grade and algebra 2 in 8th? I did both of those in ninth and tenth, respectively, at a big three.

College instructor here: please, for the love of God, use this as a character building lesson in gracefully accepting disappointment. Your daughter needs to know: earning a B is not the end of the world, earning a B will not ruin her life, earning a B will not ruin her academic record, her chances of going to a great college, or her career. Sometimes we try and we don't reach our goals. That's okay. You review, think about what you could could have realistically done differently, and then you let it go.

Sometimes a "B" can be character-building. She'll double down next time, not coast.

I was an all-A student until I got my first truly bad grade on a writing exercise in 10th grade. Oh, boy! I'd transfered into a different school and didn't realize the new expectations. I learned to write better because that "D" was a huge wake-up call.

In grad school, I was summa all the way and graduated with distinction. But, oh boy, stats kicked my ass. It was humbling as I realized that this was what other people in my cohort felt about all their classes.

Knowing where you have to be vigilant is a gift. I wouldn't knock the B, I'd learn from it---even if you end up being successful in having it removed.

Good luck navigating this period. If tutoring or prep is required to keep DC on course, you should move forward on that without stigma. My children have always had a tutor. It's not value-laden, it's just what we do.

Anonymous wrote:Clearly summer school and severe beatings until she stops bringing shame to the family is the only option. Maybe is she spent less time with her tow truck driver boyfriend she could focus on what's important.

That is very low class of you to make such comments.

Retaking would get her out of the first year of 2.0 which I think is a good thing. We held out daughter out of 6th grade algebra to avoid being in the guinea pig year all the way up. Otherwise I think you are sacrificing overall learning for a paper grade. 89.4 is a B 89.5 is an A knowledge acquired exactly the same.

Why is your 7th grader's grade going on the HS transcript?

Your 7th grader is not an "A-student" nor is s/he a "B-student," etc. How would you feel if your child's teacher labelled her/him as a "B-student"?

The current work your child did earned a B.

A B shows proficiency in the subject. Teaching your child to hyperventilate about Bs and considering them a huge setback will guarantee that your child will be nitpicky and obsess over the small stuff, losing perspective.

I would have her retake. Getting a B is not acceptable. If you want to keep up and get her into a good college, she should be working all summer and take the class again. Consider taking away all privileges next fall until the grade improves.