Webster County High School

Keep teaching your teen important lessons Parents of teens often feel like their kids would rather listen to anyone else but them. But the lessons you teach stick even when you're not around. They can give your teen the strength, for example, to say "no" to things that feel wrong. And if your teen does give in, reinforce the lesson in a straight-forward way, without put-downs. Your words can provide the strength your teen needs to say "no" next time. https://tpitip.com/?32aG18889

Encourage actions that help stop cyberbullying Teens spend a lot of time texting their friends and communicating on social media. Not surprisingly, many bullies use these same digital channels to harass other students. Students can be effective leaders in preventing cyberbullying. Ask your teen to report any hurtful messages to a trusted adult. Your teen can also talk with other students and encourage them to agree that bullying is unacceptable. https://tpitip.com/?32aF18889

Parents of teens must wear many hats Teachers know that the same approach doesn't always work with every student. In much the same way, you may need more than one approach when working with your teen. Sometimes, you need to be an observer and let your teen learn by taking responsibility for personal choices. When your student is working through problems, you can be an adviser or a negotiator. And when health and safety is at risk, you must be a director and call for action. https://tpitip.com/?32aE18889

Connect with other parents at school This year, make an effort to get to know other students' parents by volunteering and attending school events. Then exchange contact information with the parents you meet. That way, when your teen tells you that "everyone" is doing something, you'll be able to get a second opinion. And if you have concerns, you'll probably find parents who have faced similar situations and can offer some suggestions. https://tpitip.com/?32aD18889

Renew your commitment to supporting attendance There's no question that student achievement goes hand in hand with good attendance. Learning builds on itself day by day, and it's often hard for students to catch up on missed lessons. Don't allow your teen to miss school for a part-time job or family vacations. Students shouldn't stay home to finish homework or study for a test, either. Limit absences to times of illness or quarantine, family emergencies and religious observations. https://tpitip.com/?32aC18889

Just a short message to inform everyone that the threat that was made yesterday toward Webster County High School on an Instagram post has been resolved. The individual responsible for the threat has been identified and taken into custody. We would like to thank our local law enforcement agencies for all of their hard work and quick response. As always we ask that you continue to monitor your child’s use of social media and report any suspicious activity immediately to the authorities. Thanks and have a great day.

Take these steps if your student is struggling Don't wait to act if your teen is struggling in school. Have a talk together to identify what is causing the most difficulty. If it is a class, encourage your student to ask the teacher for help. If the situation doesn't improve, contact the teacher yourself and ask about tutoring options. At home, be sure to recognize when your teen is making an effort, and acknowledge small successes on the way to larger ones. Parent recognition boosts students' belief in their ability to reach goals. https://tpitip.com/?32aB18889

Help your teen set goals for a successful year The start of a new year is a great time for students to set new goals. Sit down with your teen. Discuss the successes of the fall, and ask what your student would like to improve in the coming months. To be effective, goals should be specific and realistic. Your teen's list might include things like: earning at least a B in chemistry, keeping class notes more organized, making the varsity soccer team or volunteering at the community center once a week. https://tpitip.com/?32aA18889

Resolve to get connected at school Do you know the name of the school principal? Your teen's teachers? It's important to know where you can turn when a problem crops up. Make a New Year's resolution to volunteer for a school activity your teen cares about. While you're at it, make an appointment to meet the principal and a few teachers. The more connected you are, the smoother your teen's journey through school will be. https://tpitip.com/?31le18889

Have your teen account for spending to boost financial literacy Learning to manage money boosts your teen's math and life skills. Every time she spends money, have her write down: the day of the week, the amount spent, the item bought, where it was bought, whether it was a "need" or a "want," whether the purchase was planned or made on impulse, and who she was with. At the end of the month, she can analyze her spending habits and plan for better spending. https://tpitip.com/?31ld18889

Create a study routine that works for your teen Help your teen use his study time more efficiently by establishing an effective routine. Ask him to consider these questions: "Where do you like to do homework?" "What are the distractions in that room?" "Do you like to sit at a desk or sit on the floor?" "When are you most alert?" "How many breaks do you take?" Then, help him develop an optimal homework routine based on his answers.

Emphasize the importance of attending every class Teens don't decide to drop out of school in just one day. They check out little by little, until they feel so disconnected that they decide not to return. It usually starts with skipping classes. If your teen has started skipping, talk about the importance of attendance. Say that you have confidence in your teen's ability to learn, but that going to class is an important part of the process. https://tpitip.com/?31lb18889

Serve up support at regular family meals Daily family meals are a great way to make it clear that your teen can count on you. In one survey, teens said eating meals with their families made them feel important and loved. They felt that they could talk to their parents if they had a problem. Discussion around the table let them know that their parents cared about their schoolwork. Enjoy the positive benefits that come from regular family meals. https://tpitip.com/?31la18889

TV shows and videos can make serious topics easier to discuss You know when your teen sits down to watch a favorite show that she'll likely be in one place for at least 20 minutes. This screen time is a great opportunity to talk with her about controversial issues. Consider watching a program together that involves something you want to talk about, such as drugs, sex or peer pressure. Your teen may feel safer discussing these issues in relation to a fictional character than to her own life. https://tpitip.com/?31lZ18889

Kids who play sports win on and off the field You know that sports provide teens with healthy exercise. But there are other benefits. Kids who play sports tend to get better grades and are less likely to drop out than those who don't. They are also more likely to go to college. Sports can boost teamwork, self-discipline and motivation to succeed. Encouraging your teen's interest in participating in sports can be a real winning move. https://tpitip.com/?31lX18889

Teach your teen timeliness by example Is your family always running late? If you justify it by saying, "We're just so busy!" you are sending the wrong message. Dropping your teen off late for school, for example, tells her that school isn't a priority, that rules can be broken and that she's not that important to the success of her class. To succeed in school and the workplace, your teen must learn to be on time. And the best way to teach her is to model promptness yourself. https://tpitip.com/?31lW18889

For special times together, follow your teen's lead Most teens are secretly pleased when their parents want to spend time with them. The key is to get involved in something that interests your teen. You could volunteer to help with an activity your teen participates in. Or ask him about his favorite band, then listen to their music and discuss what he likes about it. Schedule time with your teen regularly to do something that you both find enjoyable. https://tpitip.com/?31lV18889

Communicate constructively with 'I messages' Open communication between you and your teen supports her efforts to succeed in school. But few things turn off communication faster than accusations and blame. Phrase any criticism you have as an "I message" instead of a "You message." Your teen is more likely to respond to "I'm worried when you stay out late and don't call" than "You blew curfew again! Don't you think about anyone but yourself?" https://tpitip.com/?31lU18889

Try a three-jar system to teach your teen to save Get your teen into the savings habit by having him divide any cash he gets into three jars. The first is for change he can spend when he wants on what he wants (within your rules), even if you think he's wasting money. The second is for saving for pricier items that may take a few weeks or months. The last jar is for long-term savings for big-ticket items such as college. Watching the amount in it grow is a visible reminder that saving works! https://tpitip.com/?31lT18889

Discuss the financial facts of life without a diploma Is your teen tired of school? Think there is no need to get a formal education? Offer some financial facts. Failing to get a high school diploma almost guarantees him a life of just scraping by. People without a diploma have a harder time finding jobs. And the jobs that are available to them typically pay the lowest wages. That means affording rent or a car payment, but probably not both. https://tpitip.com/?31lS18889