High School Orientation

Last night Husband and I went to the high school for an orientation of what Big Son will be doing next year. It was kind of a waste of time, but somethings I found interesting and not quite right. Next year they are starting a new writing program. Although not all the issues have been hammered out, it was presented to us. From what I could understand, in addition to the English course, there will be an extended writing course. The kids will be taught how to write, edit, revise and express their thoughts more thoroughly. The only problem I had with this is that sometimes they will need to attend a writing lab and since there is no more time during the school day, they will get pulled out of lunch. Supposedly, it will only happen 6-8 times a year. That is not a big deal; however, when you put it together with the peer counseling 9th graders have to attend, again they get pulled from lunch for this approximately 20-26 times throughout the year, there are not many weeks when they actually have a lunch period. I know that the kids can eat during lab and peer counseling, but by state law they are to have a lunch period. To me, this is a time to eat and unwind from the moring classes and get ready for the afternoon. Also, instead of taking Health in 10th grade, they now take it in 9th. It seems like there is a lot more pressure on the kids in high school than there was when I went. One of the guidance counslors talked and said that in 9th grade the parents meet with their child's guidance counslor and make a 4 year plan. Each year we meet and make sure the 4 year plan is up to date and that the child is following it.

I'm so glad I'm not in this high school format. I feel sorry for my kids that there is so much pressure on them to perform. Not that I don't want them to have the top school available to them. I am just worried about the price and stress that is being placed on them to perform. Today I got their report cards. Big Son, who has always had a hard time with structured classes, who puts his heart in his work, got a straight b+ average. This is a child who doesn't study for tests no matter how much I push him. Little Son GOT STRAIGHT As! But what is the price? Little Son gets so stressed with homework and studying. Big Son's attidude is I understand what your teaching, but I want to be relaxed. I'll settle for the B grade.

My son's are very smart. More so in life issues and basic common sence. I'm proud of them for their morals. I will always support them. I'm worried on what the school is doing to them.