Hello Moms!
I'm in desperate need of advice and help... My 5th grader is struggling horribly with keeping organized and getting homework turned in. He has ALWAYS been like that since pre-school. He's very intelligent, honor roll from K-4th, but now his school (Queen Creek district) has moved all the 5th and 6th graders to a middle school and are treating them like middle school kids. I still feel that he is too young for that environment and I really believe that he feels overwhelmed by his schedule, the loads of homework and his advanced class.
My husband and I are strongly considering moving him into a school, whether it be charter or public, that has smaller classes and more one on one with his teachers as he did in his elementary school. A school that focuses on Art and/or Music and/or second language is a Plus as he's very interested in those... I want to help him now before things get any worse. These are the worst grades he's ever had and I know it's taking a blow on his self-esteem.
Thanks in advance...
Have you looked into Cambridge Academy - Queen Creek? They are in a temporary location by Serrano's in QC, should be moving by San Tan Flats in February. We have been pleased so far, but my son is in a lower grade than yours.
Hello! I'm sorry that I don't have any recommendations for charter schools (I'm sure many other moms can help you out there), but as a former 5th grade teacher I just wanted to give you a little encouragement. Hang in there! I know that you had mentioned that some of the organization issues have been ongoing for your son and that he is overwhelmed by his new school situation, but this is also VERY common for students right around 5th grade in school. School/teacher expectations are increasing quite a bit at that grade level and developmentally the kids are a little bit all over the place as their hormones are starting to slowly kick in (yes, already! Scary, I know...). While I understand that you are searching for a school that may be the best fit for your child, in the meantime, you may want to talk to his teacher(s) and see what steps you can work towards to help him develop some organizational skills that will work for him. I know it's so hard to balance wanting to help him and wanting him to learn to be independent...what you're looking for may be a unique strategy that he helps choose that works for him. The good news is that 5th grade is a HUGE year developmentally, and by the end of the school year things usually start falling into place (boys sometimes take a little longer than girls to "get" it.) You are right to want to help him now so he doesn't get too far behind, though, since it is harder to "catch up" when so many big things are going on. Just keep reassuring him (and yourself!) that you are going to work together to help him find ways to make things easier. Maybe start with some small changes to help simplify his tasks into smaller "chunks" so they are less overwhelming overall. He's going to be fine and will continue to enjoy learning with your support. He's a smart guy! :) Good luck in your search!
My daughter goes to Benjamin Franklin Charter School and does very well. Although most of the charter schools that I looked into when I was looking at schools for my daughter may not fit what you want for your son. (Although when I was looking at schools, I made the decision for academic based schools over others...) The school is very, very structured... which is working well for my daughter. The class size is 30 students... and the teachers handle the classes wonderfully. Also, the focus in the school is academics, not art or music. (The school obviously has them though) Also with most charter schools there is usually a waiting list to get in, so you will have to check on that.
I don't know about charter schools. I took my kids out of the public school for some of the same reasons you have mentioned above and now I homeschool. So instead of having to do homework all evening (unless they do not finish their lessons which rarely happens), my kids have time to do other fun activities.
I do think you have some misunderstandings about ADD though. ADD kids are very, very, intelligent. My son was always in the advanced classes and picks things up very quickly and he is a year ahead in most of his high school subjects. You can be ADD and not have ADHD (the H being hyperactivity). I have two children with ADD. The biggest problem with ADD is organizational skills and speed because they are constantly losing focus.
I am not saying your son is ADD. It is most likely stress from all the changes and new demands. Don't even get me started on that. But please don't say he is not ADD because he is intelligent. Some of the brightest people out there are ADD. They just process things differently and don't fit the in the worlds "ideal mold". Sometimes that does affect their grades and makes them feel like they can't do anything (talk about low self-esteem) but with the right understanding teacher, they soar.
Sorry for getting on my soapbox but I think there is alot of misunderstanding and stereotyping concerning ADD.
C.
