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| First Year Transitions
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High school students mature at different rates. With this process, there are fairly predictable benchmarks. High school provides an opportunity for parents and the school to collaborate as partners in the development of students. Our common goal is to increase students’ problem solving skills, not to solve their problems or make all decisions for them. The following is a calendar guide of “typical” freshman and parent’s issues.
August/September
Student Issues
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Meeting new people/new groups of friends Often students can experience anxiety about trying to find a group to identify with in high school
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Dress code - Sometimes it is difficult to know what to buy before the school year begins
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Larger school - Students come from many different junior high and middle schools that are blended together in classes
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Being lowly freshman
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Teachers expecting more than in middle school
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Block scheduling - May be much different format than previous school
Parent Issues
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Not knowing the new friends’ families - Can be stressful not knowing the background or family expectations of other families, also anxiety about meeting other parents
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Dealing with anxious or overwhelmed children
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Deciding how involved to be as a HS parent
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Knowing how to contact staff if there is a concern
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Dress code - Sometimes recommended not to buy much until after the school year starts and the students can see what is accepted or not accepted- saves hassles on returns/exchanges
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How much freedom to let students have now that they’re in high school - This can be a big adjustment from the middle school social scene.
October
Student Issues
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Homecoming mixer for 9th and 10th graders - First big high school dance
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Homecoming sidewalk painting the week before Homecoming.
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Fall Project - A school-wide activity where students can perform service around the community
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First 6-week grading period
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PLAN test - Standardized testing – all freshman participate
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First RAC deadline - K.nowing what is expected of RAC conferences and meeting the deadline for completion.
Parent Issues
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Parent/Teacher conferences
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Homecoming- setting curfews, overnights with friends - Alcohol and party issues may arise- set expectations and talk with your child
November
Student Issues
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Another 6-week grading period
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Second RAC deadline
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Winter sports beginning
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Busy season starting for concerts/performances/contests, etc.
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“Gray days” of fall/winter
Parent Issues
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Upcoming busy season starting for concerts/performances/contests, etc.
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Winter sports practices beginning - Transporting students during possible inclement weather
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Group projects - Students seem to be doing a lot of group projects during this time of year, which can create anxiety on families (how and when to get together?)
December
Student Issues
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Preparing for first semester exams - Many students have not had comprehensive exams before this year
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Busy holiday season
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Christmas baskets - All school activity– freshmen participation encouraged
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Lots of final projects in classes
Parent Issues
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Helping child prepare to study for comprehensive exams - Providing support and encouraging students’ study time
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Holiday stress
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Christmas basket participation
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Candle lighting ceremony- DCHS tradition which some parents try to attend
January
Student Issues
Parent Issues
February
Student Issues
Parent Issues
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Second round of parents/teacher conferences
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Registering for next years classes- assessing student progress, helping students to plan ahead for classes to take in preparation for post high school
March
Student Issues
Parent Issues
April
Student Issues
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6-week grading period
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Band concerts
Parent Issues
May
Student Issues
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Fourth RAC deadline
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Finishing the year strong
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Second round of semester finals
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School year almost over - Anxious for summer-making summer plans
Parent Issues
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Encouraging students to not give up close to end of year
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Busy spring sports/concerts/performance season
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One more round of semester finals
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Students home for summer- work, vacation, volunteering, or summer school?
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