The problem is, with a 'D' grade he isn't supposed to be able to do extracurricular things. He is excited about both wrestling and the play (which he hasn't auditioned for, that's next week) and I was glad because socialization is something he really, really needs.
So, I emailed the Principal who is a pretty cool guy, and explained the above, and he said he'll let Charlie participate on a 'probationary' basis. So yay.
It's true, though. I really think him learning how to deal with his peers on a social level is far more important at this point then knowing the chemical properties of salt, or whatever.
What do you think? How do you feel about grades and homework and that sort of thing? What is your perspective - student/parent/teacher/all three, and what would you do, if you ran the world, to improve the system?
Oh, and as an aside - Charlie had a girl's name on his arm, with a little heart at the end. He wrote his name on her arm, and she on his. Does this mean they are going steady?
*They've changed the grading system since my day. He got 70%, which, in my day, meant a 'C'; a low 'C', but still passing.
**It is also, I feel, due in part to the fact that the teacher gives way too much homework and really long tests with lots of essay questions and Charlie's communication skills are well below his grade level And I really don't think the teacher is old enough to be able to handle things when they don't go exactly the way they were supposed to, but maybe that's just me being defensive
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Comments
Probationary basis sounds reasonable to me, and gives Charlie incentive to improve. I hope it works well.
He IS doing better recently, though, so I am optimistic.
If you haven't already, sign up for access to Powergrade - it is awesome - you can see the grades and everything.
I had to work with the teachers and use Powergrade with Kate, because of her "allergy" to homework and projects!
I also would advise you, like the person who commented above me, to sign up for PowerSchool. I can't tell you how many times it saved my ass in school.
Also, who does he have? You should probably try to schedule a meeting with his teacher or something, see if he can maybe get extra help. Some teachers are more likely to do that than others...
I don't know him, so I'm curious to know how much impact Charlie's condition has on his learning.
I'm pleased that the principal was willing to take on board what you had to say.
Generally I am very lucky because the school system in my town is very good. In the beginning of the year he was having lots of trouble so they adjusted his classes a few times until he was in a situation that was good for him, and they have been good about giving him 'breaks' here and there.
Sometimes I feel like the science teacher doesn't quite get it. I know parents of 'regular' kids are a bit annoyed at the amount of homework she gives. Still, overall the school does a nice job of understanding where Charlie is coming from.
I know Charlie needs to get a good and full education, but surely it seems very tough that one teacher's inexperience could muck up his chances to learn through socialising.
I know I'm asking a lot of questions, so feel free to ignore !
Charlie has a teacher, Mr McLaughlin, who is firmly on Charlie's side, and he called me last night to discuss Charlie's situation, which proved to me that he is at least being looked after, so even if the science teacher doesn't 'get it', he has someone who is helping him - and I KNOW Mr M. talks to the other teachers on Charlie's behalf.
I did email the science teacher and ask about 'extra credit' and she did say Charlie can still turn in his homework and get the credit.
Andrew had a great report card except for Language - which is his weak area to begin with. His teachers put the homework on their calendars. It's a pain to check but at least its there.
Andrew has a gf but he won't tell me who she is.