Parent Resources

This web page will be a reference for you as needed. Its intent is to serve as a resource for you as a parent now that your child is entering high school. Hopefully, It will function as an avenue and bridge, given that your child is embarking on a vastly different, busy, and constantly-changing journey through high school.  This page is updated consistently (as needed), so you might bookmark it and visit it regularly. There are links at the bottom of this page which are very helpful. Check them!

St. Pius X has two counselors -- one full time (Molly Callahan) and one part time (Mrs. Antoinette Pisciotta). Mrs. Pisciotta works primarily with the freshmen.   Likewise, Ms. Krista Daniels, the Inclusive Education Teacher, assists students who have  special learning needs, IEPs, accommodations' plans; in addition, she coordinates efforts with students taking the "Education Practicum" course and function as mentors and helpers of other students. 
    
There is a  S.I.T. (Strategic Intervention Team) that acts as a bridge between struggling students and parents; should an intervention be needed for a student, whether academic or behavioral, teachers collaborate to assist the student in going forward to be more successful.

HOW DOES ONE PREPARE A CHILD FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND THE CHALLENGES IT PRESENTS?   HOW DO I AS A PARENT PREPARE AND GO FORWARD IN A PARENT ROLE?       

A few suggestions:
1) you and your child should set some  mutual goals that are realistic and measurable;
2) encourage a way to  become involved in high school--sports, cheerleading, dance team, Student Council, debate, art / art club, community service, drama, yearbook, art club, broadcast journalism, ministry team, Pro-Life, S.A.D.D., etc.;
3)  visit the St. Pius X website, especially MYSPX,  and  familiarize yourself with its contents; 

                                                     AS A PARENT:
1) KNOW that each day will brings its share of highs and lows, sunshine and storms, and that teenagers never have problems, only crises;

2) MAKE IT A PRIORITY to contact teachers or counselors if you have some concerns about their classes, social adjustment, relationships with classmates;

3) Pay very little attention to what you hear about a troubling situation at school until you seek the proper person(s) to clarify or resolve; your child's story is only one side, and it is often incomplete.

4) Know that a parents' involvement with your children's life in high school will not be as "close", most likely, as it may have been in middle school;

5) Your willingness to listen and be involved in your child's life is critical to their success, decision making, and adjustment. COMMUNICATION will remain important, and parent-child communication is the most important way of staying in touch.

6) KNOW WHERE YOUR KIDS ARE ON WEEKENDS. Call and check!   You are not your child's friend, and they don't need your approval!   They have plenty of friends. They need guidance, direction, and discipline.   They need you to help them set parameters.

7) Your kids will be confronted with choices about alcohol, drugs, vaping, sexual activity, dishonesty, internet use whether appropriate or inappropriate, undermining parental authority -- frequently and regularly.  They have multiple social media options; talk to them about how to make wise choices.

8) If your child has a conflict with a peer or teacher, first encourage your child to resolve the conflict; TEACH THEM HOW TO COPE. Please do not "rescue" them or try to resolve it yourself. One of the greatest gifts you can teach your children is how to be self-advocates; they will have to learn this in life, and high school is a good time to start!! Your kids need to learn coping skills and conflict resolution skills NOW so they can do it on their own when they leave home in a few short years.

9) Regarding homework and regular study, YOUR CHILD SHOULD HAVE REGULAR HOMEWORK, but some of this routine may not occur consistently until semester 2; this is because semester 1 is frequently a time when teachers are trying to get all students on the same page in their academic discipline. Hence, a fair amount of material that is covered may be review.