They'll Get You in the End...

Beautiful daughter has maintained a 4.0 GPA since she was in 6th grade. She's one of those perfectionists who can easily border on being ill in order to keep things as close to perfect as can be (there's a story behind this that's WAY bigger...but not today...)

Yesterday was her worst school day yet. She came home in tears, absolutely exhausted and tender.

She is taking an A.P. Physics course that has really stretched her brain. A.P. U.S. History, A.P. Calculus, A.P. Bio, A.P. Chemistry, A.P. College Writing...and more...were tough classes, but she gets her brain wrapped around this stuff and excels! However, for some reason, physics has her a bit overwhelmed.

So...she got back a major test yesterday. The entire class bombed it, but she really hit rock-bottom. It dropped her grade by about 8%. She had a 91% going into the test. Most of us would think, "Eh...83% is not that bad."

Well, in order to maintain the class valedictorian status, the 4.0 GPA is essential. She has 6 days of school left in this, her senior year...and suddenly has her first B ever.

Beautiful daughter rarely cries, but this has her feeling so worried and disappointed. Like she said last night, "I've been taking this course for an entire year. I've studied most nights until 2 a.m. Now, during my last week of my entire public school life, THIS happens!"

Her dad and I have never intervened in dealing with tough courses or tough teachers. Being a teacher in this district, myself, I've tended to be the one parent who stays out of it when it comes to my kids' needing support, which is how they've preferred it, actually. I feel so bad about not even attending their parent-teacher conferences, but there's really been no need, since they both ace courses and have no behavioral problems at school (we won't bring how they are at HOME into today's conversation...hee, hee!)

Anyway, Daughter and I discussed how her dad and I can support her in this venture. We've decided to meet with the school counselor to discuss the "pass-no-pass" option, even though the deadline for that option has passed.

We'll see what happens.....