1. Freshman Year

2.  The student and the parent, know the child best, we view both of you as the experts.  We are here to help and want to work with you to assist your child reach their goals and potential.  Please contact us early, often, and frequently.

3.  By 9th grade, regular and high attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.  The single most predictive indicator of high school dropout is the student’s academic standing during the ninth grade.

4.  Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with a bully or facing some other potentially serious difficulty.  Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engaged, successful and on track to graduation.  Students can be chronically absent even if they only miss a day or two every few weeks.

5.  Help your teen stay engaged. Find out if your child feels connected to school and safe from bullies and other threats.  Stay on top of academic progress and seek help if necessary. Check on your child’s attendance to be sure absences are not piling up. Make attendance a priority.

6.  Stay on top of your child’s social contacts. Peer pressure can lead to skipping school, while students without many friends can feel isolated.  Encourage meaningful afterschool activities, including sports and clubs.  Talk to teachers if you notice sudden changes in behavior. These could be tied to something going on at school.

7.  Be in school, on time, every day.  Know BSHS’s rules and academic requirements. The handbook is on our website.  Be successful in class. learn how to adapt to different teachers, know the classroom’s rules and expectations, have your materials for class ready, do the homework, participate in class. treat others with courtesy and respect.

8.  Get help when needed. Don’t wait!  Learn how to approach teachers – this can be difficult or intimidating your freshman year. Seek help from a trusted adult.  Be organized: use a planner, figure out a system that works and is tailored to you. Have a good note taking system  Set personal and academic goals. Short and long-term.  Get involved in school activities  Make thoughtful decisions – be mindful of potential long- term consequences (actions, social media, academic standing)

9. Create a file folder to include:  Copies of report cards  A list of awards or honors received (including student of the month, attendance honors, etc.)  A list of school clubs, sports, and community organizations including dates of participation and any offices held.  A list of jobs (volunteer or paid) held.  Information regarding colleges, jobs or postsecondary programs of interest.

10. Communicate with the school!  Teachers  Family Resource Center  Counseling Department  Social Worker  All can be reached via our website under the Staff link. http://www.mcpsmt.org/bigskyhttp://www.mcpsmt.org/bigsky  Teachers can be contacted via the Parent Q Portal or through the website under the Staff link. Parent PortalParent Portal  You can check with Deb Pengelly tonight to make sure your Parent Connect information is current and working. In the Counseling Center.