Asked to leave BS

<p>Liberty, I think the end of the previous post raises a very good point. Why are you even considering sending your son back to an environment where he will most likely get little support? It appears to me that this school dropped the ball and I don’t think they deserve the vote of confidence you would be giving them by re-enrolling your son. I would take my time with the testing and spend your energy making other arrangements for the fall. As other posters have pointed out, there are some very good BS’s and day schools that will still have openings.</p>

<p>I can understand though, why Liberty55 might want to keep his son at present school. His son is well respected by peers and faculty it seems. Maybe he just needs some extra prep time over the summer to get the ball rolling…His son may not graduate first in the class, but isn’t that okay too? I see why he needs to get the testing done, for advocacy purposes and to see just exactly what end is up. He may not have a processing disorder. Then what?</p>

<p>Liberty55, If the school does not feel that your son will do well, they must be able to make some referrals for next steps? I know this must be a hard week(s) for you and your wife, particularly if your son is happy where he is…And you have to have more concrete answers and guidance before you can make any real decisions, without feeling impulsive…</p>

<p>If they decide they do want your son to stay, perhaps some support systems or "check in " points can be established.</p>

<p>Thanks. One question I do have. Which school (BS etc) would admit a student with poor grades? That’s a dilemma I haven’t fully explored, but face. Is my S case looked into differently by these schools?</p>

<p>Liberty55- I’m sorry you find yourself in this situation. Your best resource for finding a new school is probably, as mentioned above, the current school. Boarding schools all have relationships, and for example (certainly not the case with your child!), when someone is expelled, they are often helped to find a place at a less selective school. If your relationship with the current school won’t allow for that, then you probably need to go the educational consultant route.</p>

<p>If your son tests out with a learning disorder, a BS that specializes in students with LDs will accept him even with bad grades from 9th grade, assuming he has SSAT score and previous years of work that show his capabilities. I don’t know about how regular BS that provide support for students will look at it. A consultant might be worthwhile here.</p>

<p>Repeating 9th grade sounds like something the school may request or you might want to request it. Repeating in and of itself will not throw a bad light on your son because it’s fairly common even in the most elite schools and even for students who have very good grades.</p>

<p>There are BS that sort of specialize in kids with LDs and there are BS that are more mainstream but provide support. You’ll just have to get on the phone and internet and start exploring, or engage a consultant. </p>

<p>In your particular situation, even though I have no personal experience, I highly recommend using a consultant with experience in situations such as yours. The consultant can filter through all parameters, they have experience with a multitude of schools, and they can get you from Point A to Point B way faster and better than you can do it yourself. </p>

<p>Really spend some time with your S considering various options. The consultant can probably help with that too, being able to provide a neutral but informed point of view.</p>

<p>@liberty55- There are many great schools who would welcome your child with open arms, but finding a bed at this stage in the game might be a tall order- but it’s certainly not out of the question! Having a cordial working relationship with your son’s current school will be very helpful moving forward and hiring an EC is definitely a option. Either way, you’ll have a story to tell when you apply to schools and it’s important how you frame it. </p>

<p>The only other possible option I can offer is repeating 9th grade at a JBS. [Home</a> - JUNIOR BOARDING SCHOOLS are independent elementary and middle schools with a boarding program for middle school students.](<a href=“Unoslot |Situs Agen Slot Online Gacor Terbaru dan Resmi No.1 di Indonesia 2023”>http://www.jbsa.org/) You’ll find links to schools on the Home Page. These schools are excellent. They offer challenging, yet nurturing environments and are really good at dusting off kids and getting them up and running again. You’ll also be able to restart the SS application process with a seasoned placement office, while giving your son a chance to regroup and breathe. It may not be the right solution, but it’s worth a look!</p>

<p>@liberty55, you said,

</p>

<p>As far as I know, it usually does take weeks to get results, as in a full written report. However, I suppose the tester could write a statement at the end of testing, to the effect of, “it’s likely ADHD/Dyslexia/processing speed/working memory…(whatever it might be.)”</p>

<p>I have friends who have waited for weeks or even months for reports to use in IEP meetings in public schools. I think much testing is dictated by the public school schedule, so perhaps June is a slow time in the testing world? Or they’ve automated things? Or, what sort of testing did you arrange? A full evaluation, or a quick check? </p>

<p>Geometry is not algebra. It would cover shapes, which would require memorizing formulas, and constructing proofs, which is very different from previous math.</p>

<p>I know this is a very difficult week for your family. Consider, though, that it could have been worse. If you look over at the Parents Forum on the college side of CC, you’ll find any number of threads posted by parents whose children hit an academic wall in college. (Look for threads begun around Winter break time, when students have to tell parents they’re on academic probation.) College students are usually over 18, though, so the colleges don’t contact parents. As bad as it seems now, the schools your son attends will inform you of his grades, and discuss his performance with you. When you are looking at colleges, you should make certain your son signs the forms which will allow you to be informed about his grades.</p>

<p>In dealing with a potential LD, you and your spouse must put to the side concerns about being “helicopter parents.” You can support your son, through all the decisions and conversations which must take place in the next few months or years. I recommend you not try to keep him in the dark, because he knows his grades, he’s probably scared (if he wasn’t totally goofing off), and he will look to you for guidance on how to handle all this.</p>

<p>Thank you Periwinkle . Our son did not goof off and he has been kept abreast of the need for testing ( a couple of his friends at this same BS have an LD and are on meds… They came to the school already with the diagnosis and function well). Geometry is a totally different math requiring memorization etc. I only mentioned his success in Algebra to answer a previous poster’s question regarding math ability and being prepared for the rigor of boarding school. Thanks again.</p>

<p>Here is a question for you: Boarding Schools are filled with exceptional students from around the country and beyond. Isn’t it possible that sometimes, the work just gets too hard? Or that they have to work very hard to be in the middle of the class? Why do we need to label it? For example, I am bright, but I will never be a rocket scientist, even though I was a great student high
school. Does that mean I have a learning issue? Not trying to be sarcastic, but realistic.</p>

<p>Maybe liberty55’s kid needs a strong summer school program. His previous school may have failed him in some regards. He may graduate in the bottom of his current boarding school. But being well regarded by peers and faculty, and it was mentioned he won an award for good behavior. That means a lot. That means he is a good kid and it will reflect well in suggestions. That award is not worthless liberty55 (I know you are just venting, but from an obj. point of view, that award has lots of value. Your son should feel proud.)</p>

<p>clarification in last post: I meant teacher recs, not “suggestions.”</p>

<p>I feel that’s a great question and one I actually asked in a different way: if I were to have gone to Boarding School
In ninth grade I would have performed poorly! I’m a physician attended an American Medical at a time when it was as difficult or more difficult to gain admission than today. After going through as a chemistry major, obtaining an. MD and complete ing an Prestigious residency would I also be classified as LD? Timing is everything and although LD can be diagnosed late its doubtful it’ll be severe this late . We shall see. Needless to say, if its the rigor at too early of an age that’s the problem, then Boarding School should recognize this and it also should be fairly common!</p>

<p>I think when parents focus soley on academics, they run the risk of missing the point of a SS education. I know! I’ve been on this soapbox before. I think my biggest concern was finding schools where my kids would have the best experience. Naturally, I wanted them to be challenged and successful academically, but their overall happiness in other areas of BS life were very important, too. They went away to BS much younger than most and now that they have that experience in their rearview mirror- they tell me they wouldn’t trade what they learned about themselves during those years for anything in the world. I agree. I went to BS even younger, and clung to my first roommate like we were trapped in a Dickens novel. </p>

<p>Some say age colors one’s memory, but I can assure you that those years were the best years of my life- even though I probably had a massive LD, wicked ADHD and absolutely no support whatsoever. Awesome Dark Age stuff! Sometimes when I talk to my dad ( another BS Alum), I find myself thanking him for giving me the same gift I’m so grateful to be able to give my kids. Someday, and it may be sooner than you think- your son will be thanking you for this amazing opportunity and the way you moved mountains to give him the best possible experience.</p>

<p>Thank you PhotographerM. He loved this past year ( even though it was a tough one for him academically). I do believe that ( hindsight is 20/20) if I had to do it again that I should have had him complete ninth grade at his former school and attend BS as a repeat ninth grader! He would have had a chance to flourish academically ( or if not could have quickly caught up) while still enjoying the total experience. Once he fell behind ( not realizing quick enough that it wasn’t just the excuse of adjusting to a new school, environment, and away from home ) it was a large insurmountable up hill battle. We needed the school ( we are not there to police what’s wrong) to be on top of him. Certainly they do a great job if its a disciplinary issue, or behavior problem. On poster told me how Andover was on top of their child… Even arranging testing! That’s service!
Thank you all. Session one of testing occurred today. We shall see.</p>

<p>Hi Liberty55! Is there any way for you to pm me privately the name of the BS so we can properly be guided as well? Thanks!</p>

<p>@liberty55, one recommendation I have for you is to head over to millermom.proboards.com once you get testing results. It helps a great deal to talk with other parents who had the experience with LDs. I have dealt with my son’s LD issues for 7 years. If your child is diagnosed with LD, don’t enter a denial phase like many parents do. Attack it by doing whatever is needed.</p>

<p>I feel for you in your situation. My daughter recently finished her freshman year of college at a top liberal arts school and just received a letter telling her she was "suspended"for a year. She made it through high school by compensating for her learning disabilities and refusing to implement any real strategies and I almost wish that she had experienced difficulty 4 years ago and she might not be in this situation. I am trying to tell myself that this is an opportunity for her to finally deal with issues like organization, study skills, etc. and to realize the potential I know she has. There is noting worse than constantly being told that you have the potential but you are not able to tap into it. I wish you good luck and I am sure you will find a school where he will feel successful in every way.</p>

<p>Well testing was completed. Above average in mathematical ability. Average IQ. Has difficulty with auditory and visual comprehension. In one section he performed quite well in comprehension . Because of the disparity in those two sections the psychologist wants confirmation with an EEG. If in fact comprehension is the learning difficulty he suggested therapy using a computer where only the brain of the person can be used to follow the multiple tasks asked by the computer. The person is then “taught” or trained how to compensate and rectify this LD. It could take up to six months of treatment (. Therapy). Has anyone heard of this form of treatment? Thanks!</p>

<p>This is where any school worth its salt should be able to provide guidance. If there is a learning specialist on staff I would ask to speak to them or possibly the academic dean can help.</p>

<p>I don’t know anything about that therapy but I’d triple check any recommendations before starting.</p>