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"Life is a Journey. Kids need a guide."

Below is some helpful information and Counseling Tips

Becca Bill

Washington States compulsory attendance law called the Becca Bill requires schools to report unexcused absences numbering 5 in one month or 10 within the year to the Juvenile Court. Please make sure that absences are prearranged or excused promptly to prevent unnecessary filing and phone calls. An excused note should be received by the school within 3 days of return to school to be considered excused.

ATTENDANCE IS IMPORTANT! It's tempting to let your teen stay out of school when they ask. Your family wants to travel on a school day. Your teens science project needs a little more work, or maybe their tired from after-school activities. But attendance (including being on time) is essential. Here's why: Its linked to success. Missing a few classes can lead to lower grades. It's a habit. Teens who value promptness carry this attitude into adulthood.

Counseling Tips:

Six Habits That Can Lead To School Success

A study of Chicago families found six ways parents can help their children do well in school.

1. Spend a lot of time talking with your child. Communication is key.

2. Set clear consistent behavior for all family members.

3. Establish family routines, especially at meals and bedtimes.

4. Make schoolwork and reading a priority.

5. Keep in touch with your child’s teachers.

6. Expect your child to be a good student.

HELPING YOUR CHILD BE ORGANIZED

Is your child unorganized? If so, he/she is probably normal. Teenagers have more responsibilities then ever, and juggling them can be difficult. Here are some things that can help.

1. Choose a regular time and place for studying. Help your child choose when and where he/she is most productive (in front of the TV or behind a closed door is not an option)

2. Encourage your child to make daily to do lists and use their daily school planner. Review your child's daily planner for assignments and upcoming tests daily. They are great reminders and it feels good to mark off a task.

3. Teach your child to break large tasks into small tasks. For example, if he/she has a book report due in two weeks, list the step to complete it. Include a due date for each one.

4. Have your child clean out his backpack at least once a week. If he/she does so over the weekend, they will start each week organized.

5. Use routines throughout the day. For example, your child might brush his teeth, choose clothes for the next day, and pack his lunch and backpack for the next day.

6. Set a good example. If you are organized, your child is more likely to be organized also.

Parent Involvement Does Improve Achievement.

Research shows that parent involvement makes a big difference. It raises grades and improves behavior and attitude. It's not hard to get involved. You can join the PTA. Volunteer at your school to supervise activities. Attend school concerts, athletic activities and parent nights. Ask about your child's learning, meet teachers and monitor grades. Your efforts will pay off.

Sometimes It’s Best to Delay Discipline

Has your child ever made you so angry that you don't know how to react? Here are three things you can say if this happens:

1. "I am angry."

2. There will be consequences for your actions"

3. I wont' decide on them until I've calmed down."

Is best to not make rash decisions when you are emotional. Set limits, expectations and consequences ahead of time and stick to them. Try to make consequences logical and related directly to the behavior. Don't over consequence to where your child gives up. For example "You're grounded until your 18".

Get Homework Help Online

Does you child's math homework have you both stumped? Talk to "Dr. Math" on the internet. Got to: http://mathforum.org/dr.math . Drexel University sponsors this web page dedicated to helping students solve math problems.

The Pierce County Library System will offers free Live Homework Help. The online homework will use Im or instant messaging to help students in real time. Professional, trained and experienced tutors will help students in 4th through 12th grades with math, science, English and social studies.The student and tutor communicate in a virtual classroom. Live Homework Help also uses two-way white boards, which are especially helpful for math and science problems.
The tutors help guide the students to information, answers and learning without simply giving answers.Through Live Homework Help, the tutor sees the grade level, subject and student's question and the student sees the tutor's first name and last initial. The tutor is not allowed to share personal or identifying information.Tutor.com, and award-winning tutoring company, launched Live Homework Help in 1999. Since then, 1,600 public libraries have offered the service. In Washington State, Kitsap, Sno-Isle, King County and Liberty Lake Libraries offer it.
With their Pierce County Library card, students may get free Live Homework Help every day 3-10 pm @ www.piercecountylibrary.org/kids-teens.

Building Social Skills: Easing the Pain of Unpopularity

Think back to your middle school days. You probably remember the names of faces of the “popular” kids. When a child feels unpopular, it can be painful. Here are some ways you can help:

Be supportive. Talk with your child about his/her feelings. Mention their strengths, such as kindness or a sense of humor.

Build friendship skills. Talk with your child about ways to make friends, such as introducing him/herself or sharing. If they do something that hurts friendships, give gentle advise; “I bet Jill would like it if you listen to her suggestions more often.”

Encourage friendships. Let your kids invite other kids over. See if his/her teacher can seat them near potential friends or group him/her friendly kids project.

Source: Robin Goldstein & Janet Gallant, “Stop Treating Me Like a Kid”

Think Twice About Leaving Your Child Alone

How often does your child stay home alone? A study of 8th graders shows that too much time alone is risky. Kids who took care of themselves for 11 or more hours a week were twice as likely to use cigarettes, drugs or alcohol. Even being alone for one to four hours raised the risk.

Source: Richardson, Substance abuse use among 8th grade students who take care of themselves after school.’ Pediatrics, Sept. 1989.

Resist The Urge To Overprotect

Parents don’t’ like to see their children struggling. But sometimes it’s important to let kids solve problems themselves. That’s how children learn independence and problem solving. For example if your child thinks a grade is incorrect, let her/him talk with the teacher before you do.

Survey Defines: Kids Need “Hands On” Parents

A national teen survey says a “ hands on “ parent will do or insist on at least 10 of the following 12 things:

1. Monitor what your kids are watching on TV.

2. Monitor their use of the Internet.

3. Put restrictions on CDs they buy.

4. Know where your kids are after school and during weekends.

5. Be told the truth about your teenagers whereabouts.

6. Be aware of your kids academic performance.

7. Impose a reasonable curfew.

8. Make it clear you would be extremely upset if your child used marijuana.

9. Eat dinner with your child 6 or 7 nights a week.

10. Turn the television off during dinner.

11. Assign regular chores for you child.

12. Have an adult present when you child or teen comes home after school.

Discipline: Beware Of The Words You Use.

Have you ever said to your child: “Don’t let me ever catch you doing that”? It’s best not to use that phrase. Why? It tells your child the behavior is okay if you don’t get caught. So choose your words wisely.

Big Changes May Signal Big Trouble
Mood swings and arguments with parents are part of life with teens. But how much is normal? Usually teen defiance is occasional. Worry if your teen wants to fight all the time. He or she may have a problem that needs professional help. The same is true if you notice a sudden, change in personality. This could be a big drop in grades. It could be, suddenly hating activities they have always enjoyed before. Or it could be refusing to go to school. You should take these signs seriously and consider seeing a doctor or professional.

Use P-Q-R-S-T to Boost Reading skills

Reading is one of the most important skills for students to have. The PQRST method helps teens read well.

P is for preview. First skim the text for main ideas. These are often printed in bold.

Q is for Questions. Make up questions that identify what should be learned from the reading.

R is for reading. Now reread to find answers to those questions.

S is for studying. Decide which points are important. Highlight and review them.

T is for testing. Test yourself to understand the Material.

Source: Train your memory, The Washington Post, Oct. 21, 1997

Homework Tips

Lets face it. For most kids doing homework isn't a lot of fun. Most kids would rather be out playing or doing something else. However, for most kids homework is necessary. Homework can reinforce what a child learns at school as well as teach independent learning skills and responsibility. Here are some tips that may help you with homework

First, gather information to develop a homework plan to meet the child's appropriate needs. For example: How often does your child have homework? Are there particular subjects that have designated test days? For example: Are math tests given every Friday? Are there certain subjects where your child requires more time for assignments? Talk with teachers to find out how much homework they assign. Teachers can be easily reached by email or a phone call. How does your child remember and record when assignments are due or when tests are given?

Use a planner. Have your student use a daily planner to write down daily assignments and the work they are doing in class. When an assignment is completed or a test graded have them record their grade in the planner. Review their planner regularly with them to keep up on their progress.

Develop a homework plan Consider your child's personality when developing a plan. Does your child need a break when they come home or would it be better to work first and play later? Does your child need supervision for homework? Let your child have some input in developing this plan.

Set a regular daily time for homework. Your child should be spending a minimum of a half hour each school night doing homework. Depending on your child level or assignments the time may be greater. If your son or daughter does not have homework, have them review their work or read a book. The important thing is to get them into a regular routine and time to do homework.

Create a study area. Your child will study best if they have a quiet, well-lit area to do homework. Make certain the area has all the necessary supplies including a dictionary, thesaurus, and other helpful supplies. Often the kitchen table or corner of the living room is just fine. Try to keep the study area off limits to brothers and sisters when it is being used. Do not allow your child to study in his or her bedroom with the door closed. We discourage your child using the bedroom to at any time, as it is difficult for you to monitor their progress.

Use reinforcers for your homework plan. Some logical consequences would be to allow your child to watch TV or go to a friend's house when he or she has finished homework. Also, comment on what your child does right. Verbally praise your child for his or her hard work. If your child does not comply with the homework plan, apply a negative consequence such as no TV phone calls until the work has been completed. Whatever the consequence, make certain it is immediate and logical.

Monitor the homework plan. Some students need more supervision more than others. Your child may need help organizing the work, defining the task or understanding the assignment. Monitor more at first. Your goal should be to gradually move from direct assistance to indirect monitoring. Your child will benefit from daily review, but avoid doing your child's homework for him. Do not allow him to be dependent on you. Suggest that your child call a friend for help if needed. If your child is having repeated problems with the same subject, contact the teacher. Revamp the plan as needed.

Try to compliment Teens Three times per negative comment.
It’s hard to believe sometimes, but opinions matters a lot to your teen, Teens don’t often show it. But in survey after survey, they say it. They care a lot what their parents think. Everyone needs careful criticism. But are you too critical? Some parents think that being negative will make kids try harder. But that's not how discipline works.This can make teens feel worthless. Remember the goal of criticism is to help not hurt. One expert suggests a simple rule. Count your critical statements. For each one, say three things positive to your teen. Don’t forget to give them a hug occasionally too.

Planners Can Help Teens Keep on track

    Life for most teenagers is hectic. Many teens have to merge their already busy schedule with seasonal activities such as, sports, concerts, plays, testing, early release days, ect.. Then there’s planning for events such as final, banquets, birthdays, dances, and parties. With this kind of schedule many details could fall through the cracks. To help prevent this from happening encourage your teen to use a planner as many adults and teachers do to keep track of their busy schedule.
    First order of business: keeping up with schoolwork. Your teen will have a good start on homework if they keep a good detailed record of each homework assignment and when it is due. Some homework related things to record in the planner is
        Dates of tests and quizzes
        Pages to be read for homework
        Days for beginning and final reviews for tests.
        Days they can stay for extra help with teachers
        Study hints and tips.
        Dates of events games and practices, and rehearsals.
    Almost without fail some dates are going to be overlapping creating a crazy schedule for your teen on certain days. You’ll both be better able to deal with these days in advance if you know when they are going to be. Check your teens planner regularly. Ask for them to discus or show you work they list they are doing in their classes or test results. You can also as your teens teachers if they can sign off on work completed by students in their planner. Planners are a great way to keep track of your teens life and progress.

Teach your child the success secret of hard work

What's the most important factor in predicting a child success in school? Most children think it's intelligence or ability. Yet experienced educators know hard work is the real key to success in school. Students of average intelligence often get better grades and do better in life then those with very high IQs, The reason? They are willing to invest the time and effort it takes to succeed. That means that every child has a chance to learn the success secret of hard work. Parents can instill this attitude in their children. Effort not just ability is the key to Success. Too many children believe that only smart children will do well in school. Yet in some cultures, such as in Asia, parents teach their children that anyone can succeed if they are willing to put in the work. So when they don't understand something right away they keep at it, often outscoring other children on tests. So smart is not necessarily something you are its something you get. Athletes understand the importance of hard work. They know that practice will help improve their game. They know the most gifted athletic can't be a winner if they don't practice. If your child is frustrated because they have trouble catching on to a new subject, encourage them to keep at it. Say, "I am sure you can learn anything if you keep at it."

How much will you be paid to go to Class today?

Students who finish High School earn;         $1,216,000
Students who do not finish High School earn:    $936,000
This means attending High School pays:        $ 280,000

High School = 4 years of school= approximately 700 days of school, $280,000 divided by 700 days = $400 per day of high school, If each days has 6 periods, $400 divided by 6 = $66.67 (based on the 2000 Census data)

THIS MEANS YOU WILL BE PAID $66.67 TO ATTEND CLASS TODAY!

If you need additional help, you may consider investigating homework helping sites on the internet, checking out books at your local library on parenting, visiting some of the sites on my link page or speaking with your child’s counselor.