Report Cards and the Midyear Slump

   For most schoolchildren, December marks the midpoint of the school year. As kids rush home with their report cards, are their minds focused on their grades and continued studies? Of course not! They're focused on the holidays ahead!

   But parents and teachers will be focusing on those report cards. They'll be examining the grades and comments, analyzing what they represent, and looking for opportunities to maintain the momentum or make positive changes. The goal is to avoid that post-midyear slump.

Is a slough off after midyear a real syndrome?

   According to Jennifer Cross, M.D., a specialist in Pediatric Behavior and Development at New York City's Weill Cornell Medical Center, almost all kids have a honeymoon period at the beginning of the school year, as they get to know their teachers, classmates, and schoolwork. Around midyear, things change. Lack of physical activity and holiday distractions affect kids who started off working hard. They tend to get complacent and slough off, but they usually do pull it back out at the end of the year. "It's a pretty common scenario," Dr. Cross says, and not just for the students with learning or behavioral issues.

Read and follow up on midyear report cards

   Georgia, a NYC teacher, urges parents to pay attention to midyear report cards and all they signify. "Make sure you ask for the report card, and really read it, and that you come to parent-teacher conferences." She puts at least three targeted comments on each report card and says parents should follow through on them. For instance, if it says your child needs extra help, see if you can get a tutor. If the economy is a factor, contact the teacher (parent coordinator or principal) about extra help and study groups. "Almost every school offers some kind of free day session," Georgia says. If they don't, they'll usually start one to accommodate parent requests. Parents in need can also look into Young People's Academy, a supplemental educational services program from The United Federation of Teachers (www.ufttc.org).

Take advantage of technology

   Use the electronic system your school set up to review records. If it's a NYC public school, ask your child for the ARIS code he/she received, and use it to check on grades or missing assignments. Find out if the teacher maintains a blog or other on-line communication tool. E-mail teachers with questions and concerns - the standard e-mail address format for NYC schoolteachers is first initial, last name @schools.nyc.gov. Investigate sites like www.languagegames.org, www.studyisland.com, and www.homeworkspot.com for interactive course reviews and standard test practice.