Maureen O'dea

An Informational Newsletter for Londonderry High School Parents from the Guidance & Counseling Department

August 2016

With summer coming to a close and school beginning, we have been busy gearing up for the new school year. Last year you heard the terms Perseverance, Ownership and Practice or POP! This is important to keep in mind as we work with your child as learners (notice not students). A learner is a person who is trying to gain knowledge or skill in something by studying, practicing or being taught. A student is a person who attends a school, college or university. We want your child to be an active learner. Facing challenges in the safe environment of the high school, gaining knowledge by lots of Perseverance, Ownership and Practice. We want them to POP!

At our district retreat, I was reminded of a story about an elder Cherokee and his grandson. One evening the elder Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us. One is Fear. It carries anxiety, concern, uncertainty, hesitancy, indecision and inaction. The other is Faith. It brings calm, conviction, excitement and action.” The grandson thought about it for a mo- ment and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?” The old grandfather replied, “The one you feed.”

Let’s remember as we start the 2016-2017 school year to feed the wolf of Faith and let the wolf of Fear starve. Here’s to a successful year. Maureen O’Dea Director of School Counseling

COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS MAIN NUMBER: 603.432.6941 GUIDANCE FAX: 603.425.1045

Maureen O’Dea Michael Conneally (COP-GAR) Linda Ryan (KO-MOO) Carolyn Ferguson-Wilson (SAO-Z) Director of School Counseling House 1 School Counselor House 3 School Counselor House 4 School Counselor [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] TEL 603.432.6941 x 2110 TEL 603.432.6941 x 2530 TEL 603.432.6941 x 2223 TEL 603.432.6941 x 2523

William Prince (A-COO) William Mitchell (GAS-KN) Valerie Nelson (MOP-SAN) Sara Bernard House 1 School Counselor House 2 School Counselor House 4 School Counselor Special Education Counselor [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] TEL 603.432.6941 x 2018 TEL 603.432.6941 x 2224 TEL 603.432.6941 x 2129 603.432.6941 x 2149

Stephanie Messina, M. Ed Joanne Rivet Beth Sheridan, PhD School Psychologist Special Education Counselor School Psychologist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 603.432.6941 x 2111 603.432.6941 x 2824 603.432.6941 x 2012

Dates To Note & Upcoming Events

SAT: Register at www.collegeboard.org/sat ACT: register at www.act.org TEST DATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE TEST DATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE October 1, 2016 September 1, 2016 September 10, 2016 August 5, 2016 November 5, 2016 October 7, 2016 October 22, 2016 September 16, 2016 December 3, 2016 November 3, 2016 December 10, 2016 November 4, 2016 January 21, 2017 December 21, 2016 February 11, 2017 January 13, 2017 March 11, 2017 February 10, 2017 April 8, 2017 March 3, 2017 May 6, 2017 April 7, 2017 June 10, 2017 May 5, 2017 June 3, 2017 May 9, 2017

Psat: October 19th for all 9th, 10th & 11th Graders will be taking the test in school. Seniors will work on your College applications or visit colleges.

TEST DATES & NHIAA TOURNAMENT CONFLICTS: Be aware of the conflicts between the ACT/SAT testing dates and the State Sports Tournaments. Be sure to plan accordingly so you don’t miss the tests or the tournaments. Dates To Note & Upcoming Events

Check your calendars as these colleges are visiting LHS in the Main Looking for the right Guidance Office at these dates and times. Interested in meeting with a College Admissions Counselor, sign up at the Main Guidance Office to college for you? ensure your spot. The Colleges are only staying 30 minutes, so be sure to sign up. October 5, 2016, we are hosting the 2nd annual College Fair at LHS from 6:30pm—8pm. COLLEGE DATE OF VISIT TIME University of Southern Maine September 13, 2016 9:15 AM Come and interact face to face with Lasell College September 13, 2016 10:30 AM a college representative and get American International College September 13, 2016 11:30 AM Hofstra University September 14, 2016 10:00 AM information about 60+ colleges that Ithaca College September 14, 2016 11:00 AM will be in attendance. A list of all Albertus Magna September 15, 2016 9:30 AM the colleges will be published as University of Maine at Augusta September 15, 2016 10:30 AM we get closer to the date, so be on Lyndon State September 15, 2016 11:00 AM the look out. Boston University September 15, 2016 11:30 AM Mount Holyoke College September 16, 2016 9:15 AM Wellesley College September 19, 2016 11:30 AM Come with all your questions and Dean College September 20, 2016 11:00 AM get the information you need to Geneseo College September 20, 2016 12:00 PM plan your future! Florida Southern College September 20, 2016 12:30 PM Salem State University September 20, 2016 1:00 PM Bentley University September 20, 2016 1:30 PM Sarah Lawrence College September 21, 2016 10:30 AM University of Chicago September 22, 2016 9:30 AM Temple University September 22, 2016 12:30 PM Wheaton College September 26, 2016 11:00 AM University of Maine @Farmington September 26, 2016 1:00 PM James Madison University September 27, 2016 10:30 PM Stonehill College September 27, 2016 11:30 AM Quinnipiac University September 28, 2016 11:00 AM Bryant University September 29, 2016 10:00 AM RPI September 29, 2016 12:00 PM American University September 30, 2016 10:00 AM Hartwick College October 3, 2016 11:30 AM George Mason University October 13, 2016 12:00 PM SNHU October 20, 2016 11:00 AM University of Hartford October 20, 2016 1:00 PM

*More colleges are being scheduled. Check in at the Main Guidance Office for the up to date schedule.

HELPING YOUR STUDENT ACHIEVE SUCCESS

Improving Your Child’s Confidence We all want to raise children who have confidence and high self-esteem. However, sometimes we’re not sure how to help. Some simple ideas that really make a difference include:

1. Giving your children responsibility. It makes them feel mature and needed. 2. Identifying and encouraging your children’s talents. 3. Talking and listening to your children daily. It makes them feel valued.

DEVELOPING GOOD HOMEWORK AND STUDY HABITS

 Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework starting at a young age. Children need a consistent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study.  Schedule ample time for homework; build this time into choices about participation in after school activities.  Establish a household rule that the TV and other electronic distractions stay off during homework time.  Supervise computer and Internet use.  By high school, it's not uncommon for teachers to ask students to submit homework electronically and perform other tasks on a computer. If your child doesn't have access to a computer or the internet at home, work with teachers and school administration to develop appropriate accommodations.  Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for her.  Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disrup- tive.  If your child is struggling with a particular subject, speak with your child's teacher for recommendations on how you or another person can help your child at home or at school. . If you have concerns about the assignments your child is receiving, talk with their teacher.  If your child is having difficulty focusing on or completing homework, discuss this with your child's teacher, school counselor, or health care provider.  For general homework problems that cannot be worked out with the teacher, a tutor may be considered.  Some children need help organizing their homework. Checklists, timers, and parental supervision can help overcome homework problems. Some children may need help remembering their assignments. Work with your child and their teacher to develop an appropriate way to keep track of their assignments – such as an assignment notebook. Establish a good sleep routine. Insufficient sleep is associated with lower academic achievement in middle school, high school and college, as well as higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness. The optimal amount of sleep for most adolescents (13-18 year of age) is in the range of 8-10 hours per night. © 2016 - American Academy of Pediatrics

HELPING YOUR STUDENT ACHIEVE SUCCESS

There’s No One Like You! Parents and caregivers play an incredibly important role in the lives of their children. No one has as great of an influence on the people your children become as you do. It is a pleasure, gift, and great responsibility. Remember that you are your children’s first and most important teacher now and for the rest of their lives. Your children want to be like you and most likely will. So, being a good role model is important. Often actions do speak louder than words. So, remember, your children are watching and learning from all that you do and say.

Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset

SUCCESS <—————————->FRUSTRATION

1. I can learn anything I want to. 1. I’m either good at it, or I’m not. 2. When I’m frustrated I persevere. 2. When I’m frustrated, I give up. 3. I like to challenge myself. 3. I don’t like to be challenged. 4. When I fail, I learn. 4. When I fail, I’m no good. 5. I like being told that I try hard. 5. I like being told that I’m smart. 6. If my classmates succeed, I’m inspired. 6. If my classmates succeed, I feel threatened. 7. My effort and attitude determine everything. 7. My abilities determine everything.

GRIT<—————————-> Learned helplessness

IN CLASS & HOMEWORK HELP

Table of Contents Tool for Taking Notes 6 Helpful Apps and Tools for Students who type their notes on a tablet or computer often save each day’s notes in a separate file. When they need to use the notes to study or do homework, they often can’t remember where they saved them. Note-Taking and Homework Using the table of contents feature in a word processing program can solve this problem very easily. Many students have trouble keeping up with everything they are sup- All of your child’s notes for one class can be typed in the same docu- posed to do each day. This is especially true when students are ex- ment. The table of contents will make it easy for him to find what he pected to be more independent, often when they transition from middle needs. This way, there is only one file for each class, and that is much school to high school. At that point, students are expected to be able to easier for him to organize and find. Help your child learn how by take their own notes in class, which can be very difficult for some. searching for one of the many YouTube videos that show how to do it The good news is, there are technological solutions to help these stu- with the software he uses for word processing. dents. They can be helpful for all students, but especially for those who struggle with time management or taking good notes. Livescribe Smartpen For students who cannot keep up when taking notes yet need to write myHomework Student Planner by Instin with a pen in order to learn, the Livescribe Smartpen is a good solu- myHomework Student Planner is a free app for iPhone, iPad, and An- tion. Like AudioNote, the Livescribe records the sounds in the room droid. It allows users to set up their schedule of classes, enter assign- while the student writes notes. The difference is that the pen requires a ments, assignment types (test, project, paper, etc.), due dates, remind- special type of paper to work. (Livescribe Dot Paper is available in ers, and priority levels. (It can also be used by setting up a myHome- many office stores or online and is relatively inexpensive.) In playback work account online and entering data from a computer rather than mode, your child taps the page where he wrote notes, and the pen entering everything on a smartphone or tablet.) The account will sync plays back what was going on in class at the time. The notes can be to a phone (or tablet) with a simple command. You can view upcom- saved and shared with others who do not own the pen. Students can ing as well as late assignments. write as little or as much as they want while in class because it is easy This app can take time to set up, but then is pretty easy to maintain. If to go back later to add more information. a child is really disorganized, he might need help in setting it up and entering homework assignments. He might also need to be reminded daily to keep it up to date until it be- Swype Keyboard by Nuance comes a habit. Many students need help breaking a long- Swype Keyboard is a useful app for students who use an iPad term project up into manageable tasks, too. Each task needs or tablet in class. Typing on a tablet can be slower than using to be entered separately into the app with reminders set far a laptop’s keyboard, and most students need to be able to type enough in advance to give time to complete it by its due faster. The Swype Keyboard allows your child to slide her date. finger across the digital keyboard from letter to letter until she spells a word. It is great at predicting words and it learns words that she frequently types. As soon as the word appears on the list it shows, Videonot.es she can simply touch the word and it is inserted in her typing. Once Some students have trouble learning from watching videos. Vide- she gets used to using it, she can type much more quickly on her tab- onot.es is an open source app and a good tool that can help when stu- let. It is great to use on a smart phone, as well. dents are asked to watch videos (from YouTube, Vimeo, or Khan Academy, for example) for homework. To use VideoNot.es, it first has to be set up with Google Drive. This is 5 Keys for Choosing an App easy to do by selecting the “Connect with Google Drive” button on the  Parents may wonder what they should look for when helping their VideoNot.es homepage. How it works: While watching a video on the student choose an app or tool to help with learning. If the purpose left half of the screen, a student types notes on the right side. The notes of the app or tool is to help kids with organization or note-taking, he takes are time-stamped so that when he clicks on what he wrote, the there are several important key elements. Evaluate each of the video will jump to that exact place he was watching when he wrote the following: note. Later, when he is studying for a test or doing his homework, he  Does your child like to use the app? It should be easy to figure out can easily find the place in the video by using the notes he took. If he how to use. If not, look for another. needs to, he can watch that portion of the video again. This saves time,  It should be easy to store and find the files created with the appli- because he no longer has to search through a video trying to find the cation. Students need to be able to find quickly where they were spot where a particular piece of information was given. last working, so that when class starts they are ready to go. Bonus: VideoNot.es has a tutorial that automatically runs to help learn  Time management apps should be easy to maintain. If it takes a how to use it. great deal of effort to update information, add classes, update assignments—students will not want to use it. AudioNote by Luminant Software  It should protect the student’s privacy. The app does not need AudioNote is similar to Videonot.es except it is for use in the class- access to a student’s social networking page or telephone contact room or at a meeting instead of when watching a video. AudioNote is list to work. Check the permissions the app requests before in- available for iOS, Windows, and Android operating systems. As Au- stalling it. dioNote records the sounds in the room, the student types her notes. It  If the app will be recording classes, make sure it is OK with the does not matter if she misses writing something, because she can later teacher. Most teachers are fine with it, but it is a courtesy to let click or touch her screen where she has missing notes, and the soft- them know. ware plays whatever the teacher was saying at that time. During play- It takes a little effort to find apps and tools that promote true learning, back, the app highlights the portion of the notes she wrote and if nec- but the time is well spent when you find a helpful learning tool for essary, she can add more information as she listens. your child.

Freshman expectations

High School: What To Expect in 9th Grade es in the college prep track. In 9th grade, parents should focus on helping their child figure out The hallways are noisy and chaotic. The class schedule is gruel- the right path while still leaving time for a social life and family. A ling. Ninth grade is the year every grade suddenly counts, the year counselor will help assemble a schedule that includes the right core of the permanent record. Despite the challenges, most kids and courses and electives that match the student’s goals. their parents manage to make the transition from middle to high To help students sort it all out, many high schools have a school with just a few hiccups. “freshman academy,” which offers support services to 9th graders. It’s a transition that prepares children well for the leap from high Even if your child’s school doesn’t have such a program, counse- school to college and even from college to work life, says Dawn lors and teachers should be well-equipped to help your child make Burnette, a former high school teacher who authored, along with good decisions. her sophomore students, High School 101: Freshman Survival Still, high school can be a pressure cooker, and Burnette’s student Guide. The book is used at high schools around the country to help authors emphasize the importance of personal well-being, including kids adjust. mental and physical health. Burnette’s students wanted to pass along lessons they learned in Transition for Parents 9th grade. The student authors tackled the sensitive issue of deal- While students figure out their place in high school, parents have to ing with upper classmen, advising 9th graders not to announce find their place, as well. Parents tend to visit school less as their their freshman status and to initially keep a low profile. They kids get older, but parents are needed even more, says Susanne touched on dating, hanging out with friends, and peer pressure. Livingston, a long-time counselor at Eagle’s Landing High School in A major message: Learn good organizational skills so you can live McDonough, Ga. a balanced life, with time for schoolwork, friends, family, and activi- “Be involved,” she says. “Go to every meeting that’s announced, ties. “Kids at this age may be starting their first jobs, and they have every open house. Stay in contact with the teachers and work with busy social calendars,” Burnette says. “It’s a lot to manage.” the teachers.” Choose Courses Wisely Parents who ask their 9th grader what’s going on in school will Some students arrive in high school with an unrealistic image por- probably get some variation of this response: “I have it covered.” trayed on television. “TV never shows kids learning and studying,” This response, Livingston says, is often a signal that parents need Burnette says. to be involved. They need to know who their child’s friends are, Students quickly realize that high school brings choices in what who the friends’ parents are, and where their child is going. They courses you take, and your schedule can determine how much need to know what their child’s grades are and whether homework homework you have every night and even which colleges you can is getting turned in on time. go to. When kids talk about their social lives, parents may find them- Parents, Burnette says, should resist the temptation to push their selves dragged into the middle of mini soap operas and must be children into the most difficult courses with the hopes that they’ll get careful not to get sucked into the drama. “When a child comes admitted to Harvard. “To be in a course that’s too difficult just leads home and says such and such happened, check it out,” she says. to frustration,” she says. “You want to nip it in the bud as soon as possible.” On the flip side, some students are tempted to take the easiest Take the same proactive steps with academics. “Going to a teacher courses possible in hopes of getting straight A’s and a high GPA. on the last day of the semester is a day late and a dollar short,” That robs the student of a feeling of accomplishment and doesn’t Livingston says. “It’s easier to help a child when their struggle is fool college admissions officers, who look carefully at course diffi- small.” culty when evaluating a transcript. Some 9th graders can study independently, but others still need to work at the kitchen table with a parent close by. Some kids have an Different Academic Tracks easy time with studying, while others get overwhelmed and don’t Most high schools have several paths: a college prep track for stu- know where to start. “I just told a parent today to get flash cards,” dents motivated to attend college; an honors track for highly moti- Livingston says. “They work even in high school.” vated students planning to attend a competitive college; and a ca- Ninth grade is a time when kids are figuring out what it means to be reer or technical track for students planning an occupation such as a teenager. Moms and dads are figuring out what it means to be auto mechanic, electrician, dental assistant, or computer techni- the parent of a teenager. It may be time to let children make their cian. own choices and experience a little freedom, but 9th grade is also a The goal in 9th grade is to start down the path most likely to be a time for parents to stay close by and be available when they’re good fit. But it’s possible to switch paths in 10th grade. It’s also needed. possible to take some courses in the honors program and others in college prep. Some students in technical programs also take cours-

Sophomore Expectations High School: What To Expect in 10th Grade-

Your child has learned his way around the mammoth high school building. He has settled into a group of friends and gotten a handle on the high school juggling act of classes, activities, friends, and family. He towers over you and reminds you daily that he’s going to be getting a learner’s permit soon. Hmm...maybe you should stop calling him your “child.” He’s a sophomore in high school now, well on his way to adulthood. But he still needs his mom and dad. Sophomore year is vital in the eyes of the college admissions officer, and it’s a time when temptation can steer even a bright and motivated kid off course. “We’re trying to give them more freedom,” says Julie Hartline, a counselor at Campbell High School in Smyrna, Ga., and the American School Counselor Association’s 2009 Counselor of the Year. “It’s important to still provide structure, set limits, enforce consequences, and give rewards.” For parents, it’s hard to strike the balance of knowing when to let a kid make mistakes and learn from them and when to step in to avert potential disaster. Staying on Course By now, a student should be on a path to a technical career, college, or even a highly selective college. Still, students have choices in electives and, more important, the level of challenge in core courses. Hartline advises parents to intervene based on the stakes involved. “I’ve worked with students and parents where the parent was adamant the student take Spanish and the student wants to take German,” she says. “In that case, I try to make the parent understand, German is not a bad choice....If you force your child to take a class, the end result might be an F.” But in other cases, Hartline sides with the parents. “If your child wants to drop Spanish in favor of an elective, I’ll explain why that wouldn’t be in their best interest.” Most states require a certain number of foreign language courses to graduate, and college admissions officers expect students to tackle a foreign language, regardless of their intended major. Another indicator of whether a parent needs to step in: grades. “If the student makes all As while juggling a social life, then he or she is ca- pable of making good decisions,” Hartline says. “Most of the time, if a parent is concerned, the student is not performing at that level.” Students who breezed through middle school are at particular risk of falling down sophomore year, she says. That’s when even the smart- est students need to buckle down and study, but some students might not have learned basic study skills. In that case, Hartline suggests rewinding to the days of middle school, when homework was completed at the dining room table under a watchful—though not hovering—parent’s eye. Tenth-graders often say they don’t have any homework in a particular subject because the teacher did not assign a paper or worksheet. But by 10th grade, students should be reviewing what they learned in class in each subject every night, Hartline says. “It helps burn the material into the brain.” College Crunch By sophomore year, many students and their families are already worried about college. At such an early stage, it’s not productive to stress out over particular colleges and whether your child will make the cut. It’s better to encourage your child to focus on her coursework and do her best. That way, when senior year arrives, she’ll have choices. “The most important thing for a 10th grader to bear in mind is to stay in a challenging curriculum,” says Bill McClintick, board president of the National Association for College Admission Counselling. “Colleges expect a student to take four or five academic core classes: English, math, science, social science, and a foreign language.” The biggest pitfall for sophomores is choosing courses that are too easy just to guarantee a high grade. Kids are especially tempted to scale back on math out of fear, which is often shared by their parents. “Don’t back off on math,” says McClintick, director of college counselling at Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, Pa. “Don’t take your foot off the gas pedal in 10th grade.” Even students who are sure they’re headed for a career in the arts need to take math at least through algebra II, a change from when their parents were able to skate by with far less math. Grade 10 is too early to decide you’re “not a math person,” he says. A major milestone of 10th grade is the PSAT or the preliminary ACT, precursors to the big college admissions exams. Although your child’s school might not require it until junior year, it’s best to take it sophomore year, McClintick says. “You want to go ahead and get comfortable with the format,” he says. Parents and students sometimes lock horns over sports and extracurricular activities. How many should a student invest time in? “It’s not the length of the resume, but the depth of the commitment,” says McClintick, who advises doing two or three things well rather than generat- ing a laundry list of activities to impress college admissions gatekeepers.

Junior Expectations

High School: What To Expect in keep parents in the loop, and many teachers now communicate through email. 11th Grade High Expectations in Math For some kids, junior year is time to get serious. For those who Junior-year coursework varies depending on the path to gradua- have been serious all along, it’s important to avoid burnout and tion your child chose, but all juniors will be expected to take a chal- stay focused. lenging math course, regardless of career or college plans. Chang- “Reality hits them in the face,” says Vanessa Gomez-Lee, a coun- ing expectations at the college level have led to more rigorous and selor at Valley View High School in Moreno Valley, Calif. “They varied offerings at high school, even for students not considering say, ‘It’s my junior year, and I have two years to get my act togeth- careers that require math, says Hank Kepner, president of the Na- er.’ ” tional Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Among the milestones you can expect in 11th grade: Your child Some states, districts, and schools are integrating math concepts will take the SAT or the ACT—for the first but not the last time— such as algebra, geometry, precalculus, and statistics. Others and will start working on a list of potential colleges or other post- teach traditional courses but at a higher level than students’ par- high school opportunities. He may get his first part-time job. As a ents experienced. And statistics, once viewed as the easy route to parent, you may have the first of many panic attacks as your child fulfilling a math requirement, is focusing on teaching students to gets his driver’s license. analyze data, Kepner says. Academically, 11th grade is the most rigorous yet for students aim- Parents should encourage their child to work hard in math even if ing for selective colleges. Many load up with Advanced Placement they don’t consider themselves “math people,” Kepner says. “Bring and honors courses. Others will be tempted to improve their up motivating things along the way,” he says. “With skateboarding, chances of a perfect GPA by taking easier courses. This is a mis- for example, there can be some really interesting algebra concepts take, counselors warn. Students should stay on the path they start- to analyze.” For instance, teens could express the curve of a ramp ed, taking the right courses for their post-high school plans and as a parabolic equation or determine the speed needed to reach a getting the best grades they can. certain height in a jump. “Your junior-year grades are the last grades colleges will have to Students may use complex calculators in math classes, but they compute your GPA,” Gomez-Lee says. still have to make important decisions, Kepner says. “We have some powerful tools, but they’re just tools. The questions for stu- Avoiding Burnout dents to consider are ‘When do I use it?’ and ‘How do I use it?’ ” In addition to core courses in math, English, science, and social studies, students may also be taking a foreign language or elec- License to Freedom tives while juggling drama, band, sports, or other activities. Throw For parents, the most stressful aspect of junior year may not be in a social life and a part-time job, and junior year can be over- their child’s precalculus course but rather the fact that their child is whelming. “With juniors, they can become stressed,” Gomez-Lee now old enough to drive. Many parents are already grappling with says. “If they haven’t kept up their grades, they may realize they how much freedom their child can handle. Now they have to deter- might need to change their plan.” mine whether their child is ready for the ultimate key to freedom: a A trend of mediocre grades in 9th and 10th grades can be re- driver’s license. versed in time for college applications with a support system at For many parents, the driving decision forces them to think about home and at school. “The most important thing for parents is to how much freedom is enough to give a teenager and how much is keep the lines of communication open,” Gomez-Lee says, “and to too much. Parents don’t want to get into a power struggle or alien- stay involved.” ate their child, but they want to make sure their child is mature Students at this age may groan at the sight of their parents at enough to manage the freedom. Ultimately, it’s a step along the school, but kids with active parents tend to have an easier time fine line between being cautious and being overprotective that managing the stress of 11th grade. starts at birth. While some kids need motivation to turn around subpar grades, Some students—even good students—will be tempted to use their others who have always worked hard and gotten good grades may newfound freedom to ditch school and neglect schoolwork. High need encouragement on the home stretch. Burnout is not uncom- schools have resources that can help, Gomez-Lee says. She ad- mon at this age, especially among students who have always vises giving kids some independence but still making sure they’re strived to participate in everything. “Eleventh-graders can get early following through on their responsibilities: “You’re still a partner in senioritis,” Gomez-Lee says. their education.” Parents can help their children manage their time and develop effective study skills. It’s important keep in close contact with One-Eight, Keep Calm teachers about grades. Some high schools offer online tools to and Graduate

Senior Expectations High School: What To Expect in 12th Grade

You made it through elementary school, when your child learned to read. Then middle school, when he decided he hated reading. Then came high school, when you informed him that he absolutely must read if he wanted to get into college and that, by the way, car keys would be held hostage pending good grades. And now, it’s senior year. Whether they love high school or hate it, kids tend to view senior year as a time that can’t come soon enough. Either it’s the last step before breaking free of high school or it’s the most fun year ever, when commencement celebrations start on the first day back. For parents, senior year may be a time of melancholy and anxiety, says Jane Bluestein, co-author of High School’s Not Forever, a book aimed at teens who find high school a stressful social environment. “You wonder, ‘Did I do enough to prepare my child?’ ” Bluestein says. “Senior year is one of those emancipation years. Kids are pulling away. It’s hard for parents.” The big decision looms large: college. And in the short term, parents may worry that their child will get burned out on academics and par- ty too hard. Bluestein recommends a balanced approach. You don’t want to let your child slack off so much it jeopardizes her future. “But kids don’t have to finish their first year of college during their senior year, either,” says Bluestein, referring to the practice of loading up on Advanced Placement courses or even college courses to get a jump-start on credits. Parents need to help keep kids on track without putting too much pressure on them. If you find yourself pushing your child to excel in every aspect of life, Bluestein advises asking yourself “Why is this important to me? Is it my own adequacy issue?”

Preventing Senioritis To find that middle ground, parents and students need to know exactly what the expectations are for senior year. Years ago, 12th grade was about two milestones: sending out college applications and receiving acceptance letters. Once your applications were mailed off, you did the bare minimum in your classes to pass. After you got your acceptance letter, you slacked off even more and assumed your teachers would turn a blind eye. That was the past. These days, much of the college admissions process happens online. And there’s also this thing called schoolwork, which still must get done even once you’ve been accepted to your first-choice school. “I want to paint a sign over my door that says ‘Senioritis is a fatal disease,’ ” says Eric Katz, a guidance counselor at Newburgh Free Academy in New York, and Bluestein’s coauthor. Today’s teachers are far more likely to issue grades that reflect the senior’s work rather than wave them through just because they’re graduating. Yes, colleges can rescind acceptance letters. Even more important, your child could slack off so much that he may not have enough credits to graduate. Poor grades can also cost a student his scholarships and affect college placement. Counselors note that students who coast through senior year have a hard time getting back into the academic groove once they do get to college. To make sure your child avoids senioritis, “stay on top of it,” Katz advises. “It’s important for parents to stay involved....Those last six months, it’s more important than ever to be aware of what your senior is doing.” Parents should closely monitor report cards and jump in fast if grades start to slip. “Trust but verify” is the motto for Katz, who recently sent twin sons off to college. Once parents have spelled out expectations for academic work, they must also make sure college applications are filed on time. Some teens are self-directed, while others won’t work on their admissions essays even when desperate parents offer to pay them by the word. “You have to know your kid and know why they’re not doing their applications,” Katz says. “Is it something the kid wants, or is he just [applying to certain schools] to please his parents?” Many seniors will expect to have more freedom socially. For parents, the goal is to give teens age-appropriate choices and to let them own the consequences of poor decisions. “It’s important for parents to stay involved even though their child is 17 or 18,” Katz says. “Senior year offers multiple roller coasters. You want to make sure the roller coasters are headed in the same direction and not headed for a collision.”

Drug prevention

Prevention Advice for How to Discuss Drug Abuse with Teens Parents Many teens don’t like being told what to do. They also dislike Parents are often the most influential person in a child’s life. being lectured. When you communicate with teens, make sure Teens highly value the respect of their parents even though you give them input in the conversation. Ask them what their many of them don’t want to admit it. There are a variety of views on drugs are and listen to their questions. ways parents can help prevent their children from trying drugs. Parents shouldn’t treat teenagers like they’re children, and they shouldn’t overwhelm young children with too many facts One of the most important ways parents influence their chil- about drug abuse. It can be difficult to know how to talk to dren is by being positive role models. Teens mimic what they youth. Here are some tips to help. see. That means parents should keep alcohol and other drugs away from the home. If parents drink in front of their Ensure teens know the consequences of breaking rules. children, they should do so in moderation and explain why  Praise teens for positive decisions. it’s important for kids to abstain from alcohol until their brains are fully developed as adults.  Show interest in their daily lives.  Teach them the negative effects drugs have on physical Parents should promote healthy activity and chaperone appearance. events where drugs or alcohol might be present. Parents  Don’t rely on schools to prevent drug abuse. should also learn about their children’s friends, meet their  Use detailed, realistic messages when talking about friends’ parents and make sure they promote anti-drug mes- drugs. sages to all of their children.  Emphasize consequences of drugs, like decreasing the chances of getting into college.  Challenge them to be positive leaders.  Use news reports as conversation starters for drug-related conversations.  Reward them for making positive choices. Make sure you build an environment of trust and open communication. Don’t use scare tactics or make exaggerated claims. Stick to the facts.

When you talk about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, emphasize the negative side effects that can result from substance abuse. Examples include decreased physical ability in sports, lost driving privileges, damage to overall health and negative effects on their appearance.

The number of children age 12-17 who need treatment for a substance abuse problems is 2 Million.

College help

8 Things Parents Can Do on the Road to Higher Education

Remember that it’s not all about the bumper sticker. Finding a good fit should be the most important criterion students use in identifying colleges and universities. Rankings are useful in providing possibilities, but visiting campuses and truly understanding a student’s profile in relation to the colleges’ expectations is critical. It’s not all about sticker price, either. Millions of dollars in federal, state, and private monies are available to students. Parents are often surprised to hear that the most expensive college can be quite affordable because of financial aid. While we encourage students to find a financial safety school (a school the family can afford without much financial aid), they should not limit their options based on cost alone. Give them the keys. You have already done the work of supporting their personal growth and educational aspirations, but your job is not done. While students need to drive the college admissions process, they rely on you to give them the keys to do so. Provide the support they crave. Remember, while your son or daughter is no longer in middle school, they still require your support – they just may be less likely to ask for it. Enforce the curfew. A great role for parents is that of “deadline police.” Help your student to organize the application process. Creating a college calendar devoted to college related “stuff” is one way to do so. Gentle reminders about upcoming admissions and financial aid deadlines are important. As we tell the students, this is one time when a note from mom or dad isn’t going to make a difference. If you are late, you risk not being admitted or not being considered for your maximum eligibility for financial aid. Ask for directions. Utilize the resources available to help you plan and pay for college. From the guidance office to the financial aid office, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t make assumptions about the best places or the requirements to get there. Your school counselor is the guide you need to help you map out a plan. We’re also here to provide support, resources, presentations and materials to New Hampshire students and parents. Don’t hesitate to contact the Center for College Planning at the NHHEAF Network if we can be of service to you. Our experienced counselors are also here to help support, guide and direct you. Consult the map. Make sure your student is on track to graduate with many opportunities. Know that meeting graduation requirements doesn’t always mean meeting college entrance requirements. By mapping out your student’s journey with the guidance office, you’ll preserve options for higher education. Buckle your seatbelt. College applications can be complicated, stressful, and entirely overwhelming. There may be moments when you don’t recognize your child! Help your student to keep perspective. Find ways to ease the burden such as offering your help in reviewing the essays, monitoring deadlines, and being willing to travel to visit college campuses. It is a short but intense ride. Enjoy the ride. You’ve been there for every milestone – the first step, the first word, the first day of kindergarten – and now here you are: your child’s graduation from high school and application for college admission. Congratula- tions! Due in part to your support – fostering their personal growth and nurturing their talents – they are at the point of pursuing their own dreams.

College help

What is a Gap Year? Whether doing public service through a program like City Year, experiencing life in another country, or learning about career options, the term “gap year” refers to the year in which high school graduates defer college to explore their interests. Although common to British and Australian students, Americans are just beginning to see and accept the benefits of a gap year. There is a common misconception that taking a year off before college will look bad on a resume or college application. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Some colleges, including Harvard University, actually appreciate the benefits a gap year offers as it helps “round-out” a student’s overall learning experience while allowing the student to temporarily defer beginning college. Students who take a gap year often return to school energized with a renewed appreciation for education. Gap Year Benefits:  Offers experiential learning  Develops independent living skills  Identifies what truly motivates you  Avoids a school burn out – reduces stress  Steps out of the status quo, out of the expected path Shapes future education and career goals

2017-18 FAFSA Changes: What Prior-Prior Year (PPY) Means for You By: Elizabeth Hoyt President Obama recently announced that some significant changes will be coming to the FAFSA as of next year, one of which will be the ability for students and their families to report tax income information from an earlier tax year, rather than just the prior tax year. Under the current FAFSA, a person is only able report prior year (PY) tax income information. Under the PY policy, many students were not able to fill out the FAFSA until near April in order to wait for taxes to be filed, even though the form comes out on January 1. Note: this policy will remain until the change takes place in October 2016, so you should continue to use PY on your FAFSA applications for this coming January’s FAFSA forms.

What Does Prior-Prior Year (PPY) Mean? The change will allow students to report tax information from a prior-prior tax year (PPY) allowing tax information from two years ago. This will also allow students and their families to fill out the FAFSA form earlier than ever before in hopes to have their financial aid packages before making college decisions. It’s easiest to understand these two terms by breaking them down and comparing them with one another to see the benefits of the switch.

Here’s a quick comparison between the current FAFSA, which operates with prior year data, or PY, compared to October 2016’s FAFSA change to prior-prior year or PPY:

Prior Year (PY) Prior-Prior Year (PPY)  Available spring semester, January  Available fall semester, October  Only allows taxes from previous year  Allows taxes from two years ago  File FAFSA & must make corrections to data once taxes  Taxes already filed & data is correct from previous are filled year  Incorrectly aligned with college application calendar  Better aligned with college application calendar  Makes it difficult to meet priority filing deadlines, which  Removes conflicts with priority filing deadlines, which must be met to qualify for some forms of financial aid must be met to qualify for some forms of financial aid  Financial aid information available nearing college  Financial aid information available further in advance decision deadline dates of college decision deadlines  Forced more stressful and less-informed college &  Allows for more at-ease, informed college & financial financial aid decisions aid decisions

If curious, you can learn more about the details of the new FAFSA changes on the FederalStudentAid website.