<p>My D is a semi-finalist, but unfortunately has just received a 2nd suspension this quarter. The school has a "zero tolerance" policy. She was defending a friend who was being taunted by bullies, and punched a boy in the nose, for which she received a 7 day suspension. Ok, that's bad, but the Dean assured me it wouldn't go on her record. The friend had been thrown into a brick wall by someone she didn't know or even get a good look at earlier in the term and she felt protective.
This 2nd suspension seems draconian. There's a boy who has been ordered not to talk to my D and her friend who heard her say something he didn't like. He began badgering her argumentatively and although after the last episode we told her to walk away if she feels she's losing control, her impulse apparently overwhelmed her reason. She hit him on the head with her plastic pencil case (not exactly a dangerous weapon). The school suspended her for 2 weeks and is mulling kicking her out. Out to where, I'm wondering?
I think my D probably has Aspergers syndrome or is at least borderline, although she's never been labeled as such. I wonder if it would help her or hurt her to have the label.
So from what I've heard, she can kiss the NM scholarship goodbye, is that right? She had just sent the NMS app to the guidance counselor on Monday.
Some schools ask about disciplinary actions on their applications- does this mean she shouldn't bother with those schools? She was going to apply to Georgia Tech and UF.</p>
<p>I’m not really going to give you too much input on your post other than to mention that it is fairly safe to say that the discipline action question is on most applications, since I believe it is on the Common Application. I would also suggest enrolling your daughter in an anger management series of classes. Short term, she has the college acceptance issue to deal with, but a class learning how to cope with “life’s antagonists” is of equal or even greater importance over the long haul. Good luck.</p>
<p>Yes, I’ve been looking for an anger management class and come up empty handed so far. I did take her to a psychologist she saw when she was younger, and he didn’t get anywhere. He thought she was an impressive, lovely young lady, which she is. And told her the same thing as I did, which was remove yourself from the situation when you feel you’re about to lose it.</p>
<p>I am not much help but I have seen past CC threads encouraging parents to fight back against suspensions. Something to think about. I would also add that Georgia Tech only gives $1000 for National Merit, nice but certainly not full tuition etc. I would certainly not give up on trying for National Merit Finalist.
Also if you are in Georgia , I don’t think these problems will affect her ability to get the HOPE scholarship. Teenage daughters can be very challenging. I wish you luck and patience.</p>
<p>We’re not in Georgia, but I was kinda hoping she might be considered for one of their other scholarships… or even admitted! They say they are down to only $500 for NMS this coming year! My D loved the school, but it’s true, there are not many merit scholarships. They are emphasizing the “need” factor. As if any of us really knows how well off we are, anymore! Though things do tend to sort themselves out, eventually.</p>