A resource for PTA and parent involvement project ideas

Need Help!! Need a crash course in "parenting a teenager for dummies 101"!!!

My 16 year old (going on 17) step daughter just moved in with us from out of state...

She was sent to us with a terrible track record for her first two years of high school. An expulsion, D's and F's... Last year she turned around a bit, got herself back in school, carried triple course load and achieved almost straight A's. She's a wonderful, smart kid who headed down the wrong path and is now on the right one. I need to keep her on that "right" path...

Time is short to get all things done and get her enrolled and ready for school in Las Vegas... I have never had children, I do not know anyone with teenagers here... and am scouring the school and PTA websites looking for guidance.

If there is anyone out there willing to Mentor, Coach, offer advice... Please reach out.

We are zoned for Chaparral H.S. in Las Vegas (let's hope the "turn-around" last year worked). She is "technically" a senior. I don't know how to even read her transcripts to figure out what we need to do so she can graduate on time. I am trying to figure out how to contact a counselor at the school to even be certain they will accept her and talk to them about what she needs to do to graduate...

Anyone? Anyone? Buhler? Where do I start?

Tags: guidance, help, new, parent, step-parent, teen, troubled

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Carrie Schor on August 8, 2012 at 2:21pm

Definitely contact the school guidance counselor and also I would probably see a private counselor, her alone, the 3 of you together, etc. I have no "been there, done that" experience, but I think you should make sure that you as stepmom and her father come across as a united front advocating for her success. Make sure that you discuss all of the rules with her and try to anticipate things, like curfew, cell phone, computer use, etc. Make sure that she doesn't put you in the role of evil stepmother...make sure her father is involved too.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Linda Johnson on August 8, 2012 at 2:51pm

Chaparral does have a PTSA and they have a parent center as well. Teresa Cooper is the PTSA President. She has raised 5 teenagers and is on her last one, so she would be a great resource for you. Send me a message and I will get you her contact info.