should I hold back my 1st grade daughter or put her in summer school and why?
600714
Military school is the only answer.
1047377
You should encourage your daughter to tell Kathrine that if Henry wants to join them in their play it is OK.  I would also speak to the teacher about it.  Sometimes they are unaware of these types of problems since they don't seem to be acting disruptive.  Speaking to Kathrine's mom could be a big mistake.  You never know how she will interpret your input.  Also, at 4 kids see things differently.  Any chance you could spend some time at the school during recess and watch as things take place?  Hopefully you could intercede and help all the children to get along together.  Hooray for you and your communication with your child.  You should continue your open lines of communication because it will help as your child grows.  Especially in the teenage years!
214540
I would say hold them back. First of all what will it accomplish letting them go ahead. They will just have problems in the next grade. That will just lower their self esteem. It also gives them the impression that even if they don't try they will still make it through..Whats the point in that? If you are going to do that just hand them a diploma, and welfare for the rest of their lives.
1002758
It might be best to let him have his last year in elementary school in public school, so that he can arrive at the next school with friends and start off there with at least that worry out of the way - you know, someone to do it with.\n\nReally though, it is probaby too hard to tell from this vantage point what will be best.  There are those who say children are better suited for friends an socialization at 7 - but as your child grows and develops you will see more of what his nature is, what will benefit him and how well he learns on his own and in social situation.  You know your child better than anyone else - and as you get to know him even better over a couple more years of having him at home, I am sure the right choice will make itself clear to you at the right time.\n\nI personally am homeschooling all the way - well, that's the plan now anyway.  We will just have to see how it goes and were life takes us!
1121961
NO!  Type in "year round schools" and you will find lots of research has been done and there is no definitive research to support either side.   It is not true that kids "forget" over the summer.  In truth, if they "forget" they didn't really know it to begin with.\n\nOne person mentioned the inner city so kids won't get in trouble, well, guess what: WE AREN'T BABYSITTERS.  Besides, trust me, kids from anywhere can get in trouble anytime of the year.\n\nThis is my second year on a modified year round.  Instead of 3 weeks off, 9 on, we are off 2 weeks in Oct., 2 in Dec. and 2 at Easter.  That gives us an extra 2 weeks in the summer. Although I like the two weeks at Christmas, which we always got, what do I do in Oct.?  My family is at work and in school.  Oh, I know, I can go to teacher training within the district or teach an intersession "summer school" like class.  It has been really hard to get a vacation in with my kids being on a different schedule than me.  In the end we are only starting about 3 weeks before the other schools around here but it is the hottest 3 weeks of the year and we don't have air conditioning. The kids (and their parents) act like it's still summer so the kids stay up late and are exhausted the next day.  They complain that they could be swimming or doing other things.  Parents keep their kids home to take them to the amusement park and to go swimming or a family reunion.  They miss more school for that. \n\nIt is harder for kids to find a job in the summer.  It is harder for teachers to get a job in the summer or to take classes.  We are required to take 20 hours of professional development a year.  The local colleges run into August so we can't take the classes there.  That means we have to take them in the evening and weekends during the school year when we are tired and our kids have extracurricular things going on that we have to try to work around.\n\nMost of you know how crazy kids get at the end of school every year.  Guess what?  When you are year round, they get crazy in Oct. Dec. and Easter!  I haven't seen any benefits yet.  I vote NO!
722150
It is better to let her file as independant, although, she could just use the one (family member) with the less income to show as her gardian, which will allow her to get either full financial aid or maxium aid. Your daughter should be set., if  she tries any of the above, let her know as soon as possible the faster she files the more money she gets.
990371
Academics...a different breed of human.  You're speaking a completely different language when you're talking with them.\n  \nI had similar experiences with middle school teachers and my kids.  Their children were the spawn of God, perfect in every way.  The fact that "Dad" is principle of the school system is even more reason for them to feel invincible.  You have your battle cut out for you.\n\nIf there is a contact at the school that you are most comfortable with, I would try to discuss this with them.  I do think that "kids will be kids" but obviously you aren't dealing with a normal kid, but the "golden child" of Mr. Principal.  None the less, you deserve equal consideration and should try to work out the best solution for the kids well-being at school.  \n\nAs I see it,  the boy was clearly wrong for viewing your daughter's report card and then talking about it (let alone lying), and they were both at fault for name-calling.  If this doesn't get amicably resolved soon, they could both be given suspensions.  \n\nChances are, the "friendship" is history, at least for a while, and the goal is to try to salvage your, and their, dignity.  Sometimes this requires eating some humble pie, and allowing the "lunatic" mom a little extra self-righteousness.  I see it as a losing battle to try to tell her that her son has done anything wrong.  Though she won't see it now, she will probably find out eventually anyway. \n \nSorry to ramble so.  I wish you the best of luck.  You will need it.
363941
I would suggest that you let her remain in public schools, mostly because she is already shy, home schooling will just withdraw her from more social interaction.  You have two options, let your daughter know that everyone goes thru phases and that she should ignore the "bullies" and focus on her school work and friends in which case the bullies will either give up because they know it doesnt bother her anymore or hopefuly they will grow up.  your other option would be to see if you area has another local school that has open enrollment that would alow her to change school districts and give her a fresh start.
758684
It's "pre-school" for goodness sakes!!  You've said that she is nice and sweet and you even like her ... you should be happy that he's with some one who is like that, to be around your son!!  It could be so much worse!  Your son is not going to be in her class after this, so just get through it for now and move on!  Think about your son, and how happy he is that his dad has some one and that makes the whole situation better for everyone!
89403
Please dont assume your daughter is a slow learner, maybe shes just not being challanged. Please never use that term around her......please, you could be setting her up for failure before she starts, and dont allow any one else to label her in that way , in any event start with self esteem building techniques do small amounts of work and praise her on how smart she is positive re-enforcement works wonders.
442524
apply for a job at the store now and ask to start when classes get out. that way you guarantee yourself a summer job. that way she'll stop nagging you hopefully.
785148
Be kind to her; make friends with her. If both of you are smart, perhaps she will be first in the class at times and you will be other times. Education is not about being first; it is about learning.
1040771
If you think this friendship is worth it, yes talk to her. Do it as soon as possible. If you wait all summer, the facts of the misunderstanding may get mixed up and things could become worse. If she's a total bitch, you're better off without her. Good luck!
1102004
Be lucky we go to schools that even have summer vacation.  Some schools around where I live are year-round schools, and if you fail a state test at my school, you're automatically enrolled into a summer school program.\n\nI've never had to "take advantage" of that offering, but in some ways, yes: there is a worse scenario.
352028
I agree that statistics show that he will fall in a higher rate of dropping out but its up to you to make sure that doesn't happen.  Most of the kids that drop out were held back in the first place because the parents weren't there to help them.  Then there are kids that had the parental support but weren't mature enough to pass on.  I agree that if you will retain a student it should be in first grade. In kinder they learn letter sounds and they are only there half of the day.  In first they learn to put it all together and decode.  In second they read for comprehension.  The following grades are for learning from what they read.  So if you are going to retain him, first grade is your the one key grade where it may actually help.  If you wait, he will fall farther behind.  But like i said, its up to you to make sure he doesn't fall through the cracks.
1021574
Beccawho has made a lot of good points about the issue of being young in college, but I'd also like to raise the issue of the cultural differences of what your son would face in an American college.\n\nMy daughter started college a year early at 17 and that worked for her because she is very mature for her age and can also pass for being older. However, it is definitely not something that I'd recommend for just any young person - not because of the difficulty of the school work (I'm sure your son would do fine, academically), but because of the social "scene" on college campuses. Alcohol plays a large role in terms of how college kids socialize and since my daughter doesn't like to drink, she found it hard to meet friends. And friends are important when it comes to working on class projects together, walking home at night, going off-campus to buy supplies, helping you out when you're sick, etc. College life without a support system of friends can be rough.\n\nHave you also considered the whole issue of your son's adjustment to American culture? I've traveled to other countries and I know that America's youth culture is not something that is highly respected by foreigners, and I can't say that I blame them. American kids grow up very "fast," and when they are off on their own on college campuses, I'm not sure that environment is something you'd want your son exposed to at such a young age. And then on top of everything else, you've got all of our crazy notions about race.\n\nMy advice to you would be to keep your son in high school for the full amount of time, if possible. He obviously should have access to college level work, so if your high school does not offer enough AP classes (which count towards college credit if he passes the exams), then I would hope that they offer the option of dual enrollment with a nearby college (being both a high school student AND a college student). With dual enrollment, your son's college classes also count towards his high school diploma and are often paid for by the school district. \n\nBy remaining in high school, not only will your son get used to American culture, but his amazing grades will more likely pay off in fabulous scholarship opportunities that he couldn't get if he skips graduating from high school. This I know, because my daughter missed out on those opportunities. In this way, his hard work won't be a waste, because he will receive more recognition in the long run compared to being the odd young kid in college who is mostly ignored. Please know that scholarships and awards mean even more than "results" and great exam grades, because anyone can earn great grades, but fewer are recognized with awards. People who get awards tend to get noticed with even more awards at later stages in their life, such as applying for things like internships, grants, special programs, etc. \n\nIf your high school cannot offer college level classes for your son in the subjects where he is ready for them, then have your son take classes at your local community college. Not only can your son earn two years of college credit at a community college, but the social atmosphere at community colleges is not the same because the population tends to be a bit older and more mature. Community college students tend to go to their classes and then go home or to work. (Probably what you may be used to with African colleges.)\n\nFinal piece of advice: if you insist on pushing your son into college, at least find one with a large number of international students.
95790
I have one son in private and one in public. The one in private has always been highly driven & motivated in school and an excellent student.  The other son has never cared too much for school and just gets by. So, I decided to only send the older one to private school for the high school years.  The younger is in public school and I think this had been a relief for him. The pressure of private school is difficult.  It's very expensive and demanding.  I felt it was important to not set my younger son up for failure and it iseems to have worked out as the best decision. The older son thrived in high school and the younger one is now beginning to apply himself. Kids (even from the same parents are so different).  I think it is importsnt to give them what they need and it is okay if it is something different for each one.