Potential Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 9

wise words school success Hey Charlie! Welcome to the first “Hey Charlie” column! Here, we hope to answer common questions we hear from parents throughout the year to prepare their student for success in school and life. Hey Charlie, the transition from summer to school is always tough on our schedule. How do we juggle sports and other community activities while still making sure our teens have enough time to do their homework? A: The transition back to school can be stressful, but it can also be a teachable moment for your teen. Since the adoption of Alabama’s College and Career Ready Standards, teachers have emphasized critical thinking, and you can incorporate the same lessons into your activity planning. Encourage your teen to outline the first draft of your family’s activities calendar. Have them involved in managing the process so that the schedule will work for all family members. Not only will your teen be a part of the planning process, but they will develop time management and communication skills. Charlie the College Ready Dog gives advice. Hey Charlie, I’m more nervous about the first day of high school than my daughter. What should I do to make sure the year is a success? A: The transition from middle to high school is a momentous occasion for everyone, but just because your daughter is getting older does not mean that your presence at school is no longer needed. Stay engaged with her teachers. Don’t be afraid to ask them what their expectations are for the school year and how you can reinforce at home the lessons your daughter is learning in the classroom. Real Learning for Real Life How your child is learning in school is pretty cool. Visit: ALStandardsMovie.org to see what’s taking place inside the classroom . www.potentialmagazine.com Fall 2017 | 9