Helpful Tips for Parents of Freshman:

 

Be interested. Make sure your student knows that his/her academic progress and important to you. Be aware of dates for our open houses, teacher conferences, and grading periods which are on our school website and publicized on the school marquees. Make sure that you see all progress reports and report cards as soon as they come out. If you do not see a progress report or report card, immediately call the Guidance Office and request a copy.

Discuss classes and set goals. Sit down with your student at the beginning of each 9 week grading period and help him/her set realistic academic goals for that time period and the over all academic year. Students often assume that they can coast through the year and then 'push' at the end of the year in order to achieve a satisfactory grade. It’s important that they see this as a building process to obtain their goals. Setting goals will help your student better understand what your expectations are and will give your student something to work towards. Throughout the year recognize your student’s efforts and improvement. Rewards and consequences may be helpful to encourage changes in attendance, effort or behavior.

Be available to help. Be available to help with homework, but don’t give more help than is necessary or wanted. Your student may not ask again if it becomes a negative or critical encounter. Keep in mind that it is your student’s responsibility to be organized, to get homework done, and to prepare for tests. Various tutoring programs are available through our school and all services are free of charge. For more information on tutoring you can call the Guidance office.

Listen and encourage involvement. Talk to your child about what’s happening in school and be a good listener. Students who are involved in school-related activities enjoy school more, and generally have greater academic success. PCHS offers a large selection of clubs, sports and organizations that students can join.

Monitor activities and jobs. Make sure your student is not spending too much time on non-school activities such as excessive TV time, computer games, or talking/text messaging on the phone. It is important to also make sure that your student is not working too late or too many hours at a job.

Work with the school. Know that our teachers, counselors, and principals are here to help your student get the best education possible. We are aware that a variety of situations and concerns can affect your student’s attitude and/or performance in school. If such a circumstance should arise, please call the Guidance office, Youth Services Center or a principal and tell them what’s going on. If you have a question or concern that relates to a specific teacher or class, please feel free to call or email the teacher.