School has started and your child seems to be doing fine. However, six weeks into the semester your child comes to you asking for help with science homework. You would love to help, but you don’t understand the material either. In another case your child comes home saying that she failed her history quiz. What should you do? It is important to act soon and not wait until problems progress further. The following are steps that you can take to help your child academically.
Communicate with the teacher
The first step is to email or leave a voice mail for your child’s teacher. Teachers will respond within 48 hours. Often just voicing your concerns and providing information on how your child learns best will make a difference. The school administrators encourage parents to communicate with their child’s teacher. Teachers stay after school until at least 3 pm each day and are usually available to help students. However, since teachers sometimes have staff meetings or other commitments it is best to check ahead.
Encourage your child to setup a study group with other students
Ask teachers about the possibility of using class time for setting up study groups so that students can exchange contact information and determine a time to meet. Some teachers encourage study groups and give extra credit to students that participate in them.
Contact your child’s guidance counselor
This is especially important if your child is in danger of failing, having trouble in more than one course or not “clicking” with or understanding a particular teacher. The guidance counselor can set up a case conference with you, the teacher, and your child and facilitate a discussion to address the particular learning style of your child. The counselor can also direct you to other academic support resources. If your child is on an IEP, your child’s liaison should be contacted instead of the counselor.
Use extra help resources available through the school
Math/ Science and English Study Center This resource is available during the day in Rooms 133 and 135 and is staffed by a paraprofessional and student tutors. Students can get a pass to go to these centers for help during study halls and lunches.
After School Study Center Tutor A tutor is available to the library Monday through Thursday until 4 PM to help students.
College Student Tutors On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, students from UMass and Amherst College are in the library after school until 4 pm to provide help with most subjects. High School students do not need an appointment, but can just drop in and ask for help.
Tutor Book The guidance department maintains a book of available tutors by subject area. Each tutor submits a resume and passes a CORI check. These tutors charge a fee and must be contacted directly.
Prep Academy This program is for 9th graders that have been identified as needing extra support. Contact your child’s guidance counselor for more information.
Project Challenge This mentoring program is for sophomores and juniors who are interested in challenging themselves by taking more rigorous course work. Participating students meet one period a day all year with their mentor and a small group of peers to work on class assignments and developing strategies and skills for achieving academic success. Students enroll in this program for the next year. Contact your guidance counselor for more information
A late bus is available on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at approximately 3:45 p.m. to take students home. It services all of the towns in the regional school district.
