Have a child starting high school soon? At the outset of a new school year, particularly when kids level up to high school, there is a lot of new information for kids and parents to absorb. Here are some guidelines on what to expect during the transition.
Making the Grade
Whether your child breezed through middle school with As and Bs or struggled to score Cs, there’s no disputing that grades hold more significance in high school, where your child’s academic choices help chart the course for college. The myth that freshman year grades don’t matter is just that — a myth. Expect high school to be more academically rigorous, and pay attention to signs your child is falling behind: skipping class, failing to make up late work, and complaining that teachers “just don’t like me.” Engaging a tutor early on can head off difficulty later.
Teacher Talk
Parent-teacher communication shifts in upper grades — expect to hear less from your child’s instructors. There’s a good reason for this, says Mark Savage, Ed.D., high school principal. High school students are expected to communicate directly with teachers, in preparation for college.
“There is a larger impetus on student responsibility in self-advocating, and those transitions can be tough,” Savage says. Parents with questions or concerns should speak up promptly — high school teachers often welcome parent contact and are quick to respond.
Step into Sports
Whether your child shines on the basketball court or prefers solo athletic pursuits, high school is a great place to lace up those sneakers. Per the National Federation of State High School Associations, nearly eight million American high school students participate in school sports each year. The most popular school sports by participation level are football, basketball, and track and field, but most schools offer a long list of sports, from tennis and lacrosse to water polo and drill team. School sports are linked to better grades and lower rates of teen pregnancy, and can provide a boost to college applications.
Calendar Crunch
Parents of high schoolers often have questions about college application timelines, says Savage. “Typically, [the school] hosts individual grade-level nights to go over any unique requirements and timelines. Counselors are the main conduit for questions as to the college application processes,” he says.
- Freshmen and sophomores — Concentrate on challenging yourself academically and getting involved in extracurricular activities.
- Juniors — Develop a list of prospective schools, make campus visits, and take SAT/ACT tests.
- Seniors — Apply to college! “Fall of senior year is when the application process is really in play,” Savage says. “Many schools provide college application workshops and help throughout.” Check to see if your child’s school offers such a workshop – sometimes they’re held over summer break (between junior and senior year).
Step Back
High school is a time when students still need parental guidance and support, as they learn to self-manage their academic, social and personal lives, notes Savage. For parents, this involves knowing when to step in and when to let go — easier said than done.
“Knowing when to intervene and when to let go is an inexact science when your child first comes to high school,” he says. “Even though your child may be asserting more independence, it is still critical for you to know their teachers, come to the school for events and know their friends.”
Read “Back to School Basics: Tips to start elementary and middle school”, in our July issue at www.sandiegofamily.com/magazines/san-diego-family-digital-issues (flip to page 18).
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Malia Jacobson is a nationally published journalist specializing in health and family topics.
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