 Greetings!
If your student came home with a progress report and there was not at least one grade that was lower than hoped, you are in the minority. The rest of us can take comfort in the fact that a lot can happen between now and the end of the semester. Today we share our advice for raising class averages. First, identify the reason for the low grade. Is your student missing assignments that need to be turned in? Is the student attentive, taking notes, and participating in class? Is the student completing the homework? Is the student prepared for quizzes and tests? Students may be able to provide the answers to these questions, but certainly the teacher will be able to help. The best way to contact your student's teacher is by email. Visit teacher websites to get email addresses. Next, the student should dedicate more time for study. If study time at home is limited because of extracurricular activities or work schedules, there are opportunities at school to get more study time. - On Mondays, Fridays and some Wednesdays, your student's Guided Study class offers a 22 minute respite in the middle of the day for students to complete homework, read, or study for tests. On other days, students have longer lunch periods. On these days students may opt to spend the longer lunch period in the Media Center or Computer Lab A25.
- Most teachers offer office hours before and after school. Students may find teacher office hours by speaking with the teacher directly or going to the teacher's website. The Media Center is open most days before and after school. Media Center hours are posted on the Media Center website.
- Some students help each other by gathering in study groups outside of the classroom. Others find that a private tutor is the best route. Online Campus Tutorials are available for some subjects such as Integrated Algebra I and Integrated Geometry.
- The Freshman Academy is a tutoring program especially for freshmen. Free tutoring from a teacher and peers in math and biology is available after school Tuesdays and Thursdays (Math) and Mondays and Wednesdays (Biology) in F1 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Call 678-639-3417 with questions.
- Students who are currently failing three or more classes have been attending mandatory intervention sessions with peer tutors during a portion of extended lunch periods. On October 26, students failing more than one class will be added to these sessions.
Finally, track your student's progress. Maintain regular contact with the classroom teacher. Rather than waiting for a printed progress report, stay abreast of the situation via the parent portal. If it becomes necessary to meet with a teacher face-to-face, you may call the counseling office at 678-344-2603 to schedule an appointment. It is a whole lot easier to bring up a grade mid-semester than it will be at the fifteen week mark. Our students are learning to work hard, not give up, and get help before it's too late. These skills are going to serve them well when they are ready to begin college and careers. The Counseling Department is here to help. Contact your student's counselor about specific concerns. Sincerely, Cary Kennedy Professional School Counselor
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