Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can those of us with 10th graders having a rocky start post too? Kiddo who was diagnosed with a specific learning disability this summer is struggling in a couple classes. Turning work in late and incomplete, feeling overwhelmed and defeated already just a few weeks in. Really hoping they can crawl out of the hole and get back on track. Had to have a tough conversation and a bit of an intervention last night.

Get a tutor stat. Those grades matter

We have a tutor and other supports lined up. It’s just been tough. We’re well aware grades matter, thanks for that really helpful comment.

They honestly don't matter as much as you're led to believe. It's fine for a 10th grader to still be finding their footing, especially with a new LD diagnosis. If they show progress and improvement as things get figured out, plenty of colleges will not be worried at all about the 10th grade grades.

Anonymous wrote:It is such a challenge, DC has dyslexia and ADHD and plays multiple sports. DC is obsessing about GPA, but struggles.

Is it crazy that I don't care if the GPA sucks as long as they get through HS? Some college will take DC even if we need to start at community college.

It is not crazy. That is an entirely rational, well-balanced choice that places your child's overall wellness at the forefront.

When the time comes, you also might consider whether college is really the right path, v. a trade (some of which pay very well, are great fits for kids who struggle with traditional academics, and don't get nearly the respect they deserve in this country.) None of which is to say your child isn't going to be successful in college if they want that path, just that there are a lot of really great options out there that upper middle class parents often discount.

Anonymous wrote:Not high school but a newly minted 7th grader coming from a school with little to no homework is having a really tough time adjusting . Lots of arguments, slammed doors and frustration. I feel for everyone here and hope it gets better soon.

7th grade was miserable for us, but 8th grade has been slightly better. Hang in there!!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sorry, OP. Mine is being excluded and ignored.

Oh no - by old friends?

Yes. They have found a cooler crowd to hang with. The girls in this class are so cliquey and try so desperately to be cool, and kids like mine -- who are kind and smart and decidedly NOT cool -- are left out. It's toxic.

So sorry. It happened to two of mine -- one boy, one girl, both in public.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did your kids go to private middle schools? My son loved private high school because his private MS gave him more homework. He also loved that he had free periods in HS so he got good at using them to get his homework done. He's in college now and says it has been easier in terms of workload than HS and MS!

Yes it is easier because the workload is less. One credit hour will require 2 hours of non class work. So 12 credit hours is 36 hours per week including class room time. In college you are not stuck in school from 8-3 and after school activities plus 3-4 hour of homework. If you stop and think about it it is ridiculous to put this load on high schoolers.

It’s ridiculous to choose to put this load on HSers. It’s a choice many parents are fine with, despite the cost. See the thread on stressed out kids where so many parents justify the choice.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did your kids go to private middle schools? My son loved private high school because his private MS gave him more homework. He also loved that he had free periods in HS so he got good at using them to get his homework done. He's in college now and says it has been easier in terms of workload than HS and MS!

Yes it is easier because the workload is less. One credit hour will require 2 hours of non class work. So 12 credit hours is 36 hours per week including class room time. In college you are not stuck in school from 8-3 and after school activities plus 3-4 hour of homework. If you stop and think about it it is ridiculous to put this load on high schoolers.

FWIW, not all college programs are set up like that. Quarter systems in particular are more intense and require more time.

It is such a challenge, DC has dyslexia and ADHD and plays multiple sports. DC is obsessing about GPA, but struggles.

Is it crazy that I don't care if the GPA sucks as long as they get through HS? Some college will take DC even if we need to start at community college.

Anonymous wrote:Did your kids go to private middle schools? My son loved private high school because his private MS gave him more homework. He also loved that he had free periods in HS so he got good at using them to get his homework done. He's in college now and says it has been easier in terms of workload than HS and MS!

Yes it is easier because the workload is less. One credit hour will require 2 hours of non class work. So 12 credit hours is 36 hours per week including class room time. In college you are not stuck in school from 8-3 and after school activities plus 3-4 hour of homework. If you stop and think about it it is ridiculous to put this load on high schoolers.

Parents of a senior here at heavy homework school--Sept always sucks for us--too much homework, dislike of teachers, classmates, schedule, etc. Have noticed every year, things get better in mid-Oct or so. As they get used to teachers (figure out what they want) and their schedule, they get more efficient about getting homework done and they seem to start feeling better about school.

With all that said, we regret not considering a switch away from such a heavy homework school back in 9th. Student is super prepared for college coursework, but at what cost?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can those of us with 10th graders having a rocky start post too? Kiddo who was diagnosed with a specific learning disability this summer is struggling in a couple classes. Turning work in late and incomplete, feeling overwhelmed and defeated already just a few weeks in. Really hoping they can crawl out of the hole and get back on track. Had to have a tough conversation and a bit of an intervention last night.

Get a tutor stat. Those grades matter

Study Pro in McLean is great for executive functioning with learning disability (started by a mom whose child had similar issues). Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mine has already gotten detention

Mine too, for three tardies. He now has six tardies so I’m expecting the email about a Saturday detention any way now. He cannot get up and ready on time! I was hoping the first detention and threat of Saturday detention would motivate him. Nope!

Try getting one of these

https://www.amazon.com/Sunrise-Bluetooth-Speaker-Machine-Simulation/dp/B0B77BSPFH/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3IPL7EF2QFS59&keywords=sun+alarm+clock&qid=1695216817&sprefix=Sun+al%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-5

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can those of us with 10th graders having a rocky start post too? Kiddo who was diagnosed with a specific learning disability this summer is struggling in a couple classes. Turning work in late and incomplete, feeling overwhelmed and defeated already just a few weeks in. Really hoping they can crawl out of the hole and get back on track. Had to have a tough conversation and a bit of an intervention last night.

Get a tutor stat. Those grades matter

We have a tutor and other supports lined up. It’s just been tough. We’re well aware grades matter, thanks for that really helpful comment.

I have a kid like this. I guess we were lucky that the struggles became apparent in 7th grade so by 9th, we’ve had some help under our belt. What has helped tremendously for him- medication for his ADHD (once that was treated, his anxiety tamped down), weekly therapy with a great psychologist who helps him manage his emotions and also works on life management skills, backing off on grades and schoolwork- we let his tutors and school pester him so we can be the good guys, being happy to choose the easiest coursework as I’d rather him get good grades and feel confident mastering the regular course instead of struggling and stress in the advanced.

It’s better that your kid is going through this now while still at home than in college when they’d be managing on their own. Hang in there!

Anonymous wrote:Mine has already gotten detention

Mine too, for three tardies. He now has six tardies so I’m expecting the email about a Saturday detention any way now. He cannot get up and ready on time! I was hoping the first detention and threat of Saturday detention would motivate him. Nope!

Anonymous wrote:I'm curious..What did any of you expect when you enrolled?

What I didn’t know some years ago was that my very precocious and bright child would end up struggling with anxiety, depression and a specific learning disability. What I didn’t know some years ago was how the pandemic would hit unexpectedly in their middle school years and exacerbate all those issues listed above.

My 10th grade DD - not new to her school - is the only one recommended for AP history who chose not to take it. Honestly I wasn’t sure about that decision but I’m glad we let her decide. She has free time to do things she loves, which none of her friends have.
Just bc your kid CAN take all the hardest classes does not mean she should. Have her drop down a level in 1-2 classes and then assess.