Webster County High School

Create a study routine that works for your teen Help your teen use his study time more efficiently by establishing an effective routine. Ask him to consider these questions: "Where do you like to do homework?" "What are the distractions in that room?" "Do you like to sit at a desk or sit on the floor?" "When are you most alert?" "How many breaks do you take?" Then, help him develop an optimal homework routine based on his answers.

Emphasize the importance of attending every class Teens don't decide to drop out of school in just one day. They check out little by little, until they feel so disconnected that they decide not to return. It usually starts with skipping classes. If your teen has started skipping, talk about the importance of attendance. Say that you have confidence in your teen's ability to learn, but that going to class is an important part of the process. https://tpitip.com/?31lb18889

Serve up support at regular family meals Daily family meals are a great way to make it clear that your teen can count on you. In one survey, teens said eating meals with their families made them feel important and loved. They felt that they could talk to their parents if they had a problem. Discussion around the table let them know that their parents cared about their schoolwork. Enjoy the positive benefits that come from regular family meals. https://tpitip.com/?31la18889

TV shows and videos can make serious topics easier to discuss You know when your teen sits down to watch a favorite show that she'll likely be in one place for at least 20 minutes. This screen time is a great opportunity to talk with her about controversial issues. Consider watching a program together that involves something you want to talk about, such as drugs, sex or peer pressure. Your teen may feel safer discussing these issues in relation to a fictional character than to her own life. https://tpitip.com/?31lZ18889

Kids who play sports win on and off the field You know that sports provide teens with healthy exercise. But there are other benefits. Kids who play sports tend to get better grades and are less likely to drop out than those who don't. They are also more likely to go to college. Sports can boost teamwork, self-discipline and motivation to succeed. Encouraging your teen's interest in participating in sports can be a real winning move. https://tpitip.com/?31lX18889

Teach your teen timeliness by example Is your family always running late? If you justify it by saying, "We're just so busy!" you are sending the wrong message. Dropping your teen off late for school, for example, tells her that school isn't a priority, that rules can be broken and that she's not that important to the success of her class. To succeed in school and the workplace, your teen must learn to be on time. And the best way to teach her is to model promptness yourself. https://tpitip.com/?31lW18889

For special times together, follow your teen's lead Most teens are secretly pleased when their parents want to spend time with them. The key is to get involved in something that interests your teen. You could volunteer to help with an activity your teen participates in. Or ask him about his favorite band, then listen to their music and discuss what he likes about it. Schedule time with your teen regularly to do something that you both find enjoyable. https://tpitip.com/?31lV18889

Communicate constructively with 'I messages' Open communication between you and your teen supports her efforts to succeed in school. But few things turn off communication faster than accusations and blame. Phrase any criticism you have as an "I message" instead of a "You message." Your teen is more likely to respond to "I'm worried when you stay out late and don't call" than "You blew curfew again! Don't you think about anyone but yourself?" https://tpitip.com/?31lU18889

Try a three-jar system to teach your teen to save Get your teen into the savings habit by having him divide any cash he gets into three jars. The first is for change he can spend when he wants on what he wants (within your rules), even if you think he's wasting money. The second is for saving for pricier items that may take a few weeks or months. The last jar is for long-term savings for big-ticket items such as college. Watching the amount in it grow is a visible reminder that saving works! https://tpitip.com/?31lT18889

Discuss the financial facts of life without a diploma Is your teen tired of school? Think there is no need to get a formal education? Offer some financial facts. Failing to get a high school diploma almost guarantees him a life of just scraping by. People without a diploma have a harder time finding jobs. And the jobs that are available to them typically pay the lowest wages. That means affording rent or a car payment, but probably not both. https://tpitip.com/?31lS18889

To make a friend, your teen may need to make the first move Some teens make school friends more slowly than others, and the pandemic hasn't helped. If your teen finds socializing challenging, suggest joining a school club. Your teen will meet people with shared interests, and may be more confident talking about a familiar subject. Encourage your student to make the first move and start a conversation. And point out your teen's own value as a friend. https://tpitip.com/?31lR18889

Gambling is not all fun and games Studies suggest more than half of all teens gamble for money each year. For many, it will become a dangerous addiction. Teens often see gambling as a way to get money for things they want. Remind your teen that the odds of winning the lottery, for example, are almost impossibly high. Don't provide opportunities to gamble. And seek help if your teen is selling prized possessions, borrowing or stealing money or failing to do schoolwork because of gambling. https://tpitip.com/?31lQ18889

This is an update to inform all parents and guardians that the Webster County Board of Education is aware of the Nationwide social media post that has been shared on the Tik Tok platform. Which referred to a threat to all schools in the USA on Friday, December 17th. This Tik Tok post did not originate in Webster County and there is no threat to any Webster County Schools. We have collaborated with the West Virginia Fusion Center,The West Virginia State Police, and the Webster County Sheriff's Department to plan for the safety of all students and staff. As of this evening, there has been no credible threats to any school in West Virginia. This is an example of the importance to educate our students and children not to share social media information that refers to school safety. There are serious consequences that are involved with this type of behavior. We ask that all parents and guardians continue to monitor the use of social media platforms with your children and discuss the potential risks involved with sharing such information. We continue to encourage all students, staff and families that witness information related to a threat towards any of our schools to please report it immediately so that immediate action can be taken. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Realistic expectations help teens get more from volunteering Volunteering helps teens develop new skills, explore careers, make a difference and feel good about themselves. When your teen is looking for a volunteer job, offer a reminder: Teens shouldn't expect to start at the top and every job can teach your teen something. One supervisor asked volunteers to staple papers. If they read the papers as they stapled and asked questions, she knew they could handle more responsible tasks. https://tpitip.com/?31lP18889

Help your teen handle homework stress Multiple assignments from multiple teachers can sometimes add up to student stress. To support your teen, model a positive attitude about school, what she is learning and her ability to succeed. Make sure you both know how much homework the teachers expect, and schedule accordingly. And if your teen gets stuck on an assignment, suggest that she switch gears for a little while (for example, change to history, then go back to math). https://tpitip.com/?31lO18889

Teach your teen study strategies for remembering information long-term Knowing ways to store information in long-term memory and recall it later will make your teen's studying more effective. Suggest that he review material shortly after reading it, again within 48 hours and again within seven days. He can also look for ways to relate the information to his life or the world around him. What kinds of jobs require the math he is learning, for example? Encourage your teen to try creating a song or rap about the material, too. https://tpitip.com/?31lN18889

Responsibility grows when teens feel empowered You want your teen to take on more responsibility, in school and at home. She's more likely to if she knows she has some power to affect her own life. Wherever you can, let your teen make her own decisions. Set a time frame, for example, for getting chores done, and let her decide when to do them within that time. Ask her opinion when making decisions for the family, or put her in charge of planning the next family celebration. https://tpitip.com/?31lM18889

Realism and teamwork help teens manage learning disabilities Learning disabilities can be frustrating for students and their parents. Students with LD can learn, but it may take them longer than it takes other students. The Learning Disabilities Association of America suggests that parents help their teens set realistic goals and priorities. Above all, it's important for teens with LD to ask teachers for help as soon as issues arise. Many teens need help in school, and asking for it is a sign of maturity and strength. https://tpitip.com/?31lL18889

Encourage your teen to ask you anything When students are emotionally healthy, they can perform their best in school. To help your teen maintain emotional balance, make him feel he can ask you questions without being judged. For example, if he asks, "What would you do if a friend stole something?" avoid saying, "If your friends steal you can't spend time with them." Instead try, "Tell me what you think, and then I'll explain my view." https://tpitip.com/?31lJ18889

Help your teen overcome reading reluctance Too many students never learn to see reading as something that they can enjoy. To boost your teen's interest in reading, offer him short stories, poems or other short works. If he doesn't like one, he can quickly move on to another. Remind him not to stop if he hits a word he doesn't know. Just have him jot it down to look up later and keep reading. https://tpitip.com/?31lH18889