- Tough classes. Some kids worry that they won't
be able to keep up academically. A child who is nervous about the
increased workload may worry that there will be too much reading, or
that he got good grades in elementary school not because he was smart,
but because the teachers liked him.
What you can do: There's
certainly nothing wrong with acknowledging that the work will be harder
(it will be!), but assure your child that it won't be more than he/she
can handle. Remind him/her that while being a good student is important,
he/she has other strengths as well — perhaps he/she loves to draw, or
plays soccer — so that he/her entire sense of self isn't wrapped up in
grades. Encourage her to let her teacher —and you — know if she thinks
she needs extra help, or if she's falling behind. That way you can take
steps to address problems early on, perhaps by having her meet with a
teacher after school, or working with a tutor.
What does SMMS offer to help students?
SMMS
offers weekly remediation during the school day for students who are
struggling in their core subjects. In addition, prior to SOL testing
after school remediation will be offered for students who need extra
remediation.