You’ve gotten the report card…Now what?

If there's one time of year that many teens and their parents both anticipate and dread, it's report card time! For students who are applying to colleges, the stakes can be quite high – first quarter grades may mean the difference between being accepted or rejected by a preferred school. For students who are struggling through Course I Math for the second year in a row, a grade of C+ or 75 may be cause for downright jubilation.

So how do you take what is sent home – the great, the not-so-great and the truly disappointing – and turn it into a positive learning experience for everyone? The following are some tips from teachers and guidance counselors:

First, read over the report card with your children.
Before you react – positively or negatively – ask what they think. Were they pleased or surprised by any of the comments? What do they believe is going right or wrong?

If it’s a great report, let your children know you are proud of them.
Teens may not always admit it, but most do want to please their parents. Celebrate their successes! But focus as much on their efforts as the end result. When students bring a "C" up to a "B" or an 85 up to a 90, it may well be the result of their buckling down and improving their study habits – for example, by getting every homework assignment in on time or putting in extra hours preparing for tests. Let your children know you recognize and appreciate their hard work.

If it’s a disappointing report, take a deep breath.
Then talk calmly about what they can do to turn things around.
For example, if homework is missing, find out why. Do they use an assignment notebook? Are outside activities interfering with their ability to focus on academics? Teens need to believe that you view them as a major part of the solution. Do some brainstorming along with your children and encourage them to take responsibility for helping solve the problem.

If you have questions or concerns, call the guidance office.
A guidance counselor can gather more detailed information and help facilitate meetings with one or more of your children’s teachers.