Life Changes

General Characteristics:

• Interests shift from solitary to group pursuits.
• Having the right or "In" type of clothing becomes particularly important.
• Vocational interests become more prominent and realistic.
• Strong attitudes towards religious, ethnic, and racial groups begin to emerge.
• Concern about social issues develop.
• True sense of self begins to develop.

Physical Development:

• Rapid weight gain at beginning of adolescence; enormous appetite
• Sexual maturity, with accompanying physical and emotional changes:
• Females usually about two years ahead of males
• Sometimes a period of glandular imbalance
• Bone growth completed; adult height reached; improved muscular coordination
• Rapid heart growth

Characteristic Reactions:

• Going to extremes, emotional instability and "know it all" attitude
• Return to habits of younger child- nail biting, tricks, Impudence, day-dreaming
• High interest in philosophical, ethical, and religious problems; search for ideals
• Preoccupation with acceptance by the social group; fear of ridicule and of being unpopular; over sensitiveness; self-pity
• Strong identification with an admired adult
• Assertion of independence from family as a step toward adulthood
• High interest in physical attractiveness
• Females usually more interested in males than males in females, the result of earlier maturation of the females

Special Needs

• Conformity with and acceptance by the peer group
• Adequate knowledge and understanding of sexual relationships and attitudes
• Adult guidance which is kindly, unobtrusive, and does not threaten the young person's feeling of freedom
• The assurance of security##seek both dependence and independence
• Opportunities to make decisions and to earn some money
• Provision of constructive recreation and if possible a worthy cause
If a Problem Arises
Sometimes problems arise and your student may have difficulty obtaining success in school. The counselor is prepared to help you in these situations.

 

Problem 1 - Low Grades: If your student is receiving grades lower than his/her potential, most parents will say there is a problem.

1. A common cause of low grades is poor attendance. Students who miss class lose the benefit of instruction that day and the assigned homework. When they return to class they don't understand what is going on, falling further behind. This downward spiral continues until the student completely gives up. See Problem 4.
2. Another possible cause of low grades is lack of motivation or interest. The plan of attack for this is more parent and counselor involvement with the student in choosing classes that better match the interests of the student. Another method used is to help the student set more immediate goals and to tie those in with classroom performance. A tutor may be needed. Involvement in school or community activities can sometimes help.
3. In a few circumstances the possible cause of low grades is some specific learning disability. These are usually identified in elementary or middle school. Counselors can check records for previous test results. They can make arrangements to administer new skill assessments to get a current update of ability levels. With this information, a plan of attack can be devised. It may require more careful selection of classes. More testing may be recommended.
4. For poor performance, parents can request progress reports from the counseling office whenever desired. It is the student's responsibility to pick on the progress report and give it to each of his teachers. Parents can see the current grade, absences, and missing assignments on a week to week basis. Knowing that this is being done is often a motivation for students. Parents do not have to wait until oral or quarter grade reports to see if any progress is being made. Contact the counselor if you want a progress report.

Problem 2 - Falling Behind in Credits: Your student's counselor will always have the information regarding how many credits have been accumulated and whether or not your student is still on track for graduation. If a student does fall behind, some options do exist.

1. The student can return for one or more semesters after the senior year to gain the credits necessary for graduation.
2. During the senior year the student can attend Lewis Adult Night school which involves three hours two nights a week. In order to attend, the student and parent(s) must have a meeting with the counselor and sign a release form.
3. If the student is motivated and qualifies, s/he may enroll as an enrichment student at Santa Rosa Junior College. A form must be signed by the counselor. Classes at the Junior College are governed by a different set of laws with which students and parents must be familiar.
4. Summer school provides another option for earning credits. A form must be signed by the counselor for the specific classes to be completed during summer school.
5. Sometimes the regular, traditional school setting is no longer appropriate. This should be determined by a decision-making partnership including the student, parents, and counselor. The Santa Rosa School District offers several alternative programs.

Problem 3 - Personal Problems or Self-defeating Habits: Sometimes students are not achieving success because of factors not related to the school situation. These factors may be due to alcohol or drug-related activities, working full-time Jobs, pregnancy, depression, peer relationships, or family situations that are creating stress.

1. Any problems should be made known to your counselor. Counselors can also help determine how a student can deal with school while the personal problem is being solved. These problems can only be hidden for so long. As they are hidden, more problems occur. A counselor is trained to help in these situations. If more help is needed, the counselor can recommend outside agencies that can provide further assistance.

Problem 4 - Lack of Attendance: Lack of attendance will result in loss of credit. Attendance is taken in each class period each day, and a record is kept in the attendance office. Parents will be notified of absences. The absence policy states that on the tenth absence from a class, the student will lose credit. There is a credit appeal process to reinstate credit lost for legitimate reasons. Contact the Attendance Office for the application.

1. If there are unexcused absences taking place, the main thing that needs to be determined is what the student is doing during time away from class. Equally important is why the student is having unexcused absences.
2. School assistant-principals will assist you in dealing with your student on a disciplinary basis. If you want your student to stop the unexcused absences through this type of approach, it should be dealt with as soon as the problem appears.
3. School counselors will provide assistance also. Counselors can work with parents and student to set attendance goals and explore the reasons why absences are taking place. Discussion can allow the student to determine attitudes toward school and to work on improvement.