A new experience

Last night we attended parent teacher night at the high school. In the 3 years that Mr 16 has been at the high school this is the first time we have participated. Not because we didn't want to. Because we never received the notification that it was happening. Report cards always came home late if at all. This year we have two at the high school. It is harder for him to hide.

It was an eye opening experiencing. Comments such as

- he doesn't take notes (physics)
- he hasn't handed in any of his labs (physics)
- he has failed 2 of his 3 tests (physics)
- he is the worst student in the class in terms of doing the required work (English)
- I've tried everything and I can't get through to him (English)
- He has not handed in x number of pieces of work (English)
- failed his test and then did not turn up for the retake (computing)
- not motivated (all)

do nothing to warm a parents heart. We have tried everything with this kid. Nothing is working. NOTHING.

I am trying to encourage hubby to keep the emotions out of this in our interaction with Mr 16. It is hard to do. Caring is a bitch. We will be working with him to put in place a recovery plan (he is sitting at 31% for physics). If he fails we will consider changing high schools. Having him live with his mom for the final 1.5 years of school in the hope that a much smaller school environment may be of benefit. I do not want to do this. We don't know what else to do.