1. Establish a consistent, organized homework routine (CHECK GRADES)

To help your child build good study habits, create a calm, organized homework environment together. Teens need a quiet spot without TV, music, games and phone distractions. Encouraging consistent homework times helps, too. Your child should set up a homework agenda and use it daily. Assignments may be available online, but when they’re all together, your child can look ahead and plan more effectively. Including extracurricular activities and upcoming tests in the agenda makes prioritizing easier. Your child will see when working ahead might be necessary to meet upcoming deadlines. UTILIZE SCHOOLMAX and if no access please see your child's guidance counselor. 

2. Get ORGANIZED

The biggest reason students have failing grade is poor organization, forgetting assignments, or unprepared. Encourage children to post reminder notes for themselves on backpacks and doors, and set reminder alarms on phones.Some families post signs on front doors with reminders of all that must be done before leaving for school. 

3. Stay INFORMED

Graduation is four short years away. KNOW the COURSES, TEST, COMMUNITY SERVICE hours you need for graduation. Don't wait for others to come to you, be PROACTIVE (See Road to Graduation).  

4. Never to early to THINK AHEAD

The point of working hard isn’t just getting good grades. It’s building chances for a happy, successful future filled with better opportunities. Encourage children to fantasize about their future. It’s never too early to visit colleges to see how they look and feel and what activities, classes and resources they offer. This will encourage students to do well and see the importance of high school.

5. Get INVOLVED w/ extracurricular activities

Colleges like students to develop passions and pursue them with determination. This applies to extracurriculars and school work. Students should try different interests on for size; it’s both fun and valuable during this time of exploration. At Wise, we have over 30 clubs/organizations. (See Puma Way)