Tips for SCTHJP Parents

First of all, I would like to welcome you all to the Silver Creek Thunderously Hip Japanese Program (SCTHJP)!　 Thank you supporting your student in this new academic challenge.　 This document is just a simple list of advice that I have put together over the years for the parents of students entering our Japanese program.　 Some of the advice pertains more to freshman student than to juniors or seniors, but mostly it holds true for all students.　

Onto those suggestions…

Join School Loop.　 I will be posting homework reminders and program announcements about activities and events there.　 The URL is http://schs.schoolloop.com/

Bookmark the SCTHJP website.　 I will be posting homework assignment sheets on our website, as well as on School Loop.　 You can check your student’s grade every 1-2 weeks. The SCTHJP URL is http://jp.jugglesensei.net/

Set up your home computer to read and type Japanese characters.　 It is free and easy, and you can find easy instructions at this URL: http://www.nihongomemo.com/pctips.htm

Whenever possible, make sure your student eats a healthy, proper breakfast before school. Even if your child is not fond of eating breakfast, try this for a month and I think you will see a difference.　

Whenever possible, make sure your student gets sufficient rest. It is one thing to stay up late to finish a paper or project. It is quite another thing to stay up late playing video games, watching TV, or IM chatting with friends online. Teenagers need 8 hours sleep a night, and with proper time managment, this amount can be reached regularly.　

Consider taking 10 minutes on Sunday to ask your student about the upcoming week to help him/her prioritize homework, studying, and activities.　

Every Sunday, offer to help, or encourage your student to organize her/his backpack.　

Do NOT be afraid of contacting your student’s teacher(s), even if your child may discourage you.　 Allow 12-24 hours for a response.　

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed as a new student.　 Students sometimes fall behind in their studies, make poor choices, or forget to prioritize correctly.　 Encourage your student to attend tutoring during 7^th period or after school.　 I will meet anyone at anytime—all they have to do is ask.　

Go to Back-to-School Night and PTSA meetings.　 Be involved in this wonderful school and in this wonderful program.　

Here are some things your student can do this year:

　　　　　　　　 Homecoming Football Game Japanese Cheering Section in October

　　　　　　　　 Free Concert after school by Shamisen Master Baisho Matsumoto in October

　　　　　　　　 Japanese Language Proficiency Test in San Francisco in December (Japanese 2 and up)

　　　　　　　　 Japan Bowl Team Try-outs and National Finals in Washington D.C. in March (Japanese 2 and up)

　　　　　　　　 Sushi Day in January/June

　　　　　　　　 Homestay for a Japanese high school student in March

　　　　　　　　 Japanese Program T-Shirt Design Contest in February

　　　　　　　　 Trip to Japan in June (after end of school year)

Thank you again for your time and for your continued support.　

Respectfully,

Matt Hall

Silver Creek High School

Thunderously Hip Japanese Program