BUZZ IN THE HALLS by Pam Koharchik: A look at life at Allentown High School.
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Wednesday, Oct. 3, was Back to School Night at Allentown High School, and by all accounts, it was the most widely attended in recent memory. For the first time in most classes, it wasn’t just the honors students’ parents who came out; there was a nice mix of all levels.
There’s some speculation as to why, but I’m going with the theory that since it was later in the year, parents felt that there was more of a recognition factor between the students and their teachers. Usually during BTSN, we teachers can’t tell parents about their kids because we aren’t exactly sure who their kids are, or what their performance level will be (it’s hard to say how a child is doing if he/she only has one or two grades. In block scheduling, there can be up to 25 grades by the time report cards are out).
Many parents have the same questions regarding their students’ progress, so I though I’d address the generic ones for those parents who couldn’t make it.
By far the most popular question is, "How can I get a hold of you during the day?" Good luck. Unlike some area districts, we do not have a voice mail system to leave us a message. We have a busy receptionist who does her best to keep up with the phone calls, student questions and visitor inquiries.
You can call and leave a paper message for a teacher, but PLEASE leave a number where you can be reached during the day. Countless return calls are left on answering machines that are erased before you get home. Very few, if any, teachers will leave their home numbers on the machine (would you?!).
Calls home during the night frequently entail accrued long distance charges since few teachers live in the immediate area. A more popular method of reaching a teacher is through e-mail. The address is the first six letters of the last name of the teacher, plus his/her first initial @web.ufrsd.k12.nj.us.
For example, mine is [email protected]. This way, the teacher can give you confidential information almost immediately.
Another question is, "How come my student is failing? Why didn’t you tell me?" For the first part, there’s a number of reasons, but most originate in that he or she is not doing his/her homework, which affects his/her quizzes, which impacts his/her tests. Plus, many students don’t make up missed assignments due to trips, sickness, etc. Those missed grades convert to zeros.
The second part is more difficult to answer, as each teacher has his/her own way of doing things. Much of it has to do, however, with treating students like adults. They cuss like adults in the hallway, smoke like adults in the bathrooms and party like no adults I know on the weekend.
With that, we try and teach them that if they want to be regarded as adults, that includes taking on responsibility like an adult. Every week or two grade sheets are given to every child. Every four weeks into a marking period, mid-mark notices are sent home. Every nine weeks, they get a report card.
Those notices are expected to reach you. We assume, by not hearing from you, that you know about your child’s performance. If you don’t get any of these notices, call guidance at (609) 259-2160 and request that one is sent to you (perhaps to a work address).
Mid-marks are scheduled to be mailed Oct. 12, Dec. 17, March 4, and May 17. Report cards are set for Nov. 7, Jan. 25, April 15, and June 21.
"What do I do now that my child is failing?" That’s best answered by you, but there’s a lot that can be done on the school front. Is your child attending homework lab after school (Mondays-Thursdays) or Math Lab? There’s help there for him/her. Tutors can be arranged through National Honor Society. Writing help is available every day, all day and Mondays and Wednesdays after school.
Does he/she play a sport? Maybe he/she feels he/she can’t seek the extra help needed due to a rigorous practice or game schedule. Most coaches, especially the few who are on staff, will work with the child, as academics comes first. The student just has to ask.
Rick Rivera sets up emotional help groups, if the problem stems elsewhere (drug/alcohol abuse by the student or parents, anger management, stress issues). Guidance can have bi-weekly reports sent to you. The Child Study Team can test your child (maybe he/she suffers from a learning disorder). Every teacher I know will stay after and work with your child.
This Wednesday was our deadline to get the first marking period’s mid-marking period notices in. They should be out to you by early next week, at the latest. If you haven’t gotten it, call the school. If you have no idea how your child is doing at the moment in a class, call the school.
Finally, realize that excellent grades and failing grades don’t happen overnight. It’s a long process that you should become aware of.
Buzzing in the halls this week: A seminar is being held today for the senior practicum students hosted by Andrea Moten, head of the Human Resources Department of Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. She’ll be talking about preparing for careers and job searches . . .
Every Friday, in honor of American and World Pride, the opening videos for A-Town live have revolved around bringing the world together in peace. The images have been striking . . .
Don’t forget the Harvest Festival this weekend . . .
Crafters are being sought for the fourth annual Holiday Craft Fair, to be held on Dec. 8.
Pam Koharchik is an English teacher at AHS. Buzz in the Halls is a regular feature.

