1. Occasionally monitor your child's planner to see that HW assignments are being written down daily. Or have your child check the websites of the cluster teachers.
2. Study with your child by reviewing for tests in a fun way.
3. Monitor organization of notebooks. Remember that we all like to have control over our own "stuff". Help your child to explore what system works for THEM!! As adults, we have worked through many systems to find an organization style that works for us. That doesn't necessarily mean that it will work for others.
4. Be sure that there is a quiet clutter-free area for HW to be done in.
5. HW is best done in an area where parents can monitor. Teens will be teens and their focus may need redirecting frequently.
6. Let your child feel success by fostering them to be independent learners. Allow them to recognize the successes as well as the failures in their lives as opportunities to learn and grow.

1. Keep your planner up-to-date (you should be writing down assignments every day). Yes you could check the websites of your teachers, but they may not always be up to date. Better to write it down!!
2. Pack books into your backpack as you find you will need them for HW (i.e. so right after class, put you book into your backpack if you need it for doing HW.)
3. Keep phone numbers of classmates available so that you can call each other to study when needed.
4. Get together with classmates in small groups to study for tests and quizzes. It is more fun (and usually more productive) to study in small groups instead of studying by yourself.Wink
5. Keep your binder organized! First, find a system that works for you whether it's having individual binders for each subject, color-coded folders for different subjects, one big accordion file to keep all the extra papers in from all subjects...etc. Second, clear out the papers at the end of each marking period. Keep the papers AT HOME (not in your locker) in separate files. You will need them at the end of the year for finals. But note: if you discover you can never find your HW or papers which you know you had the day before, you should change your system!! Come see your guidance counselor if you need help developing a new system.
6. Have a quiet, distraction-free place to study and do HW. If this is not possible at home, then ask the teachers to sign you up for HW center after school.
7. Use learning lab as it is supposed to be used. This is the time for you to check in with teachers you need help from or to work with others you are doing projects with. IT IS NOT SOCIAL TIME!
8. Most teachers are available either after school or at learning lab for extra help. Don't let things get to the point where you are in a panic over grades. Ask questions in class and if you still need help, seek the teacher out at learning lab to ask about extra help sessions. Be a self-advocate!!

There are many loops in grief.  We refer to them as "loops" instead of "stages" because they truly can be cyclical.   You can experience shock, denial, isolation, anger, bargaining, sadness, depression and acceptance.  There is no specific timeframe involved and everyone will experience grief in their own way.  Some may be sullen, some laugh, some cry, some feel numb.  You may move through the loops in days, weeks or even years.  All are ok.  All are normal.  If you feel though that you or someone you know who is grieving is "stuck" in a particular loop, you may want to contact a counseling support as outlined below.

Teenagers understand the finality of death.  There is no magic in the person "coming back".  Teens, just like adults, may have many questions surrounding death.  Questions that may have no immediate answers.  Be patient.  Be honest. Listen and know when it is time to seek additional support.

Our middle school library has a wonderful book filled with practical ideas for understanding and expressing grief.  It is titled "Healing Your Grieving Heart- For Teens"  by Dr. Alan Wolfelt.  It is just one of many resources that our library has.

If your teen needs a support group, you may want to contact any of the following:  Newtown Youth Services at 270-4335 or 426-8103, Healing Hearts in Danbury at 792-4422, The Cove at 800-750-COVE.  (Healing Hearts and The Cove are both grief support group centers.)  If you need cancer support goups, you may wish to contact Ann's Place at 790-6568.

• Tips for Families on Addressing the Anniversary (in PDF)
• Helping Your Family Cope - For Parents (in PDF)
• Tips for Parents on Media Coverage (in PDF)
• Tips for Relaxation (in PDF)
• When Terrible Things Happen for Students (in PDF)