There could be other problems. When I was a kid I essentially failed a complete semester at math. It was because my brain has great difficult filtering out side noises and other distractions. They moved me from the back of the class, to the front and the problem was 100% solved. They also tested my hearing every year for several years, and it was normal.

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:

quote:

Originally posted by c1steve:
The underlying problem is probably that you are pushing your son too hard. I have a friend who is a math tutor, and he tells me that people's brains mature at different rates, and not to worry about someone struggling at math. What might be difficult or impossible one year, could be easy 6-12 months later. Pushing him may make him feel like a failure, or that he is stupid, when he is not.

And "F" isn't struggling, it's failing or just fucking off.

Regardless, the primary focus needs to be on what the root cause of this outcome is. Only then can a plan be devised to address it.

And for what its worth, I too might have fallen into your "failing or F-ing off" bucket in high school. I did poorly in a number of classes (usually math and stats) in high school because I am far too impatient to absorb information at the rate the teacher offered it at. Lots of C's came out of this environment. On the other hand, every online college prep and/or actual college course I took, that I could finish as fast as I was capable of absorbing the information, resulted in straight A's. There are three or four college courses I can think of off the top of my head where I attended the first day of class and the scheduled test dates, but not one other day. I sat in my room and learned the material on my own and aced the classes.

ador needs to find the core reason his son is failing, whatever that reason is, and then work on fixing it, which is exactly where his focus appears to be.

I would take the school seriously and closely monitor your sons activities.

Does your son have access to a gun?
If so you probably need to seriously consider addressing this issue for the protection of your son and possibly others.

What is causing him to fail classes?
Can he see the “blackboard”?
Maybe he needs glasses.

Has he fallen in with the wrong crowd?
Alcohol, drugs?
What are the details of the harassment complaint?

Sounds like there maybe multiple issues which need to be addressed, to ensure there is future happiness for both you and your son.

I would approach the school heavily weighing on listening rather than talking.
Your goal should be focused on gaining knowledge of the situation, rather than approaching from a defensive position.

Once you know the problem than you can work towards resolving it.

Answer NO with a straight face.

You're under no obligation not to lie to an assistant principal. And really, it is none of his business.

Thank you all for taking the time in sharing your thoughts and comments. My son is doing OK in English and Science (A and B). Only problem is Trigonometry. Has been F since Q1. It is now Q3. We are afraid that he might get kicked out from the magnet HS because of this. I am encouraging him, and maybe even crossing the line and actually pressuring him to work harder. I even borrowed books at the library for him to read. The problem I think is that he spend a lot of time using his cel phone and other electronic gadgets. I finally confiscated those last Friday.

Second problem is his "joker" behavior in school. He likes to joke around with his classmates, both male and female. I think that is what got him into trouble with the other students last Friday.

I love my son to death. I will do anything and everything for him. I wish he knows and feels that. I am starting to feel that I am failing as a dad, and that I have failed to do my part.

For him to have said something to his classmate about hurting himself is probably him, just venting off. I don't think it is really that serious. That is why I think talking to a counselor will help.

I will know everything tomorrow once I speak to the Asst. Principal. I will keep an open mind and see what she have to say.

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:

quote:

Originally posted by newtoSig765:
As worried as you are, do you have a lawyer who could accompany you to the meeting? With such short notice of it, I'd demand a delay if your lawyer can't make it tomorrow.

Why on earth would you inject a lawyer into the equation at this point? I'd speculate that doing so here in Central Florida would result in the Asst Principal cancelling the meeting, or being completely unwilling to have any sort of open dialogue on the issue(s). There's plenty of time for attorneys (if deemed necessary), but not IMO, at this first meeting. Go to the meeting and get the details while appearing willing to work with the school in resolving whatever issues exist.

Cancelling the meeting is one of the things I was told to do is a lawyer showed up for an IEP.
That said, a lawyer is a great help.
The meeting needs to have his teachers, the counselor and the vice principal. If someone is missing asked where they are and why aren’t they here. It it is such an important meeting all his teachers need to be there.
The next question would be why it’s gotten to this point? Is this a onetime event or has it been going on? Then ask for the record of contacts they have made to you.
Be reasonable but put the focus on what the school hasn5 doneto correct things.

quote:

Originally posted by Icabod:

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:

quote:

Originally posted by newtoSig765:
As worried as you are, do you have a lawyer who could accompany you to the meeting? With such short notice of it, I'd demand a delay if your lawyer can't make it tomorrow.

Why on earth would you inject a lawyer into the equation at this point? I'd speculate that doing so here in Central Florida would result in the Asst Principal cancelling the meeting, or being completely unwilling to have any sort of open dialogue on the issue(s). There's plenty of time for attorneys (if deemed necessary), but not IMO, at this first meeting. Go to the meeting and get the details while appearing willing to work with the school in resolving whatever issues exist.

Cancelling the meeting is one of the things I was told to do is a lawyer showed up for an IEP.
That said, a lawyer is a great help.
The meeting needs to have his teachers, the counselor and the vice principal. If someone is missing asked where they are and why aren’t they here. It it is such an important meeting all his teachers need to be there.
The next question would be why it’s gotten to this point? Is this a onetime event or has it been going on? Then ask for the record of contacts they have made to you.
Be reasonable but put the focus on what the school hasn5 doneto correct things.

I hear ya, but I think this meeting with the Asst Principal needs to happen first to make ador aware of what's actually going on or occurred. Then a meeting with all the related parties can be scheduled as needed. But I guarantee you, you bring an attorney to any of these meetings in Central Florida, and there will be no meetings. No principal, asst principal, or teacher, is going to sit across from an attorney and potentially open the school and/or district up to liability.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:
Answer NO with a straight face.

You're under no obligation not to lie to an assistant principal. And really, it is none of his business.
...............................................

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Agreed, answer is NO, and if you don't own a safe consider what Vtail said and move firearms to friends house.

Answer: "None ya'!"

Followed with: "Now lets get back to focusing on how we can both help my son."

Refusing to answer the question is within your rights. As long as the truth is "they are locked in a safe only I have access to," why lie?

Lying and saying you don't own firearms seems like a bad idea in a number of ways. Not least being you're bold-faced lying in front of your son.

If it turns out your son has some serious problem, lying about the guns isn't helping anyone, and won't win favor when it will eventually come to light that you do own guns.

When is telling a lie a good idea, ultimately?

It's none of their business unless your son has made threats toward himself and or others. In that case you owe it to your family to either have all weapons secured or removed from his access. Hope your concerns over your firearms is an over reaction on your part. Good luck and best wishes.

OP, it's been a while since I took my NV CCW class, but IIRC, you have gun registration in Clark County via "blue cards," right? So, assuming you've complied with the law, the cops already have a list of all your guns. I don't know what info they're allowed to share with school officials, but the local gov't. already knows about your guns. And if the police pay you a visit, I'm guessing you'd better not have any that you don't also have a blue card for. Or has that law changed in the last six years?

I would make sure the weapons are totally secure then your answer is simply "This is not a problem in our home" period.

Once your engaged with the school you're past the point of return with the state.
If they do want to search & take ...too late to do anything about the guns.
I'd get them out before the meeting. Special ones for sure ...

quote:

Originally posted by Rick Lee:
OP, it's been a while since I took my NV CCW class, but IIRC, you have gun registration in Clark County via "blue cards," right? So, assuming you've complied with the law, the cops already have a list of all your guns. I don't know what info they're allowed to share with school officials, but the local gov't. already knows about your guns. And if the police pay you a visit, I'm guessing you'd better not have any that you don't also have a blue card for. Or has that law changed in the last six years?

The "blue card" system was dropped a few years back. There is no replacement registration system or otherwise.

quote:

Originally posted by Mutiny:

quote:

Originally posted by Rick Lee:
OP, it's been a while since I took my NV CCW class, but IIRC, you have gun registration in Clark County via "blue cards," right? So, assuming you've complied with the law, the cops already have a list of all your guns. I don't know what info they're allowed to share with school officials, but the local gov't. already knows about your guns. And if the police pay you a visit, I'm guessing you'd better not have any that you don't also have a blue card for. Or has that law changed in the last six years?

The "blue card" system was dropped a few years back. There is no replacement registration system or otherwise.

I'm glad to hear that. But does anyone think they really destroyed all their records, OR did the OP acquire ALL of his current guns after the blue card regime was dropped?

quote:

Originally posted by arcwelder76:
Refusing to answer the question is within your rights. As long as the truth is "they are locked in a safe only I have access to," why lie?

Lying and saying you don't own firearms seems like a bad idea in a number of ways. Not least being you're bold-faced lying in front of your son.

If it turns out your son has some serious problem, lying about the guns isn't helping anyone, and won't win favor when it will eventually come to light that you do own guns.

When is telling a lie a good idea, ultimately?

This.

Also, if you choose to lie, you need to tell your son to be prepared to lie about it, too, to people who are potentially trying to help him. Bad precedent, especially in the given circumstances.

IMO you should be reassuring to the school that you take their concerns seriously and have your shit on lockdown, because you have to work with them; the relationship needs to be as positive as possible, for the sake of your son.

I’d listen, evaluate and thank him for his concerns..

Never lie. That could come back to haunt you.
Simply say "I decline to confirm or deny anything associate with my rights and my home."

Don't get this blown out of proportion in your mind. Your son probably made some inappropriate jokes and "needs a talking to".
Also, there of lots of ways to improve math scores. Get a tutor and treat it all lightheartedly. A lot of kids don't "get" math. I have my own theories on that, but I think a tutor can help.

Here is an instance where, given what the boy has said, that the school's questions seem legitimate. They are concerned for the boy.

In light of the statements he made, that concern is valid. If you have reason to think he is not a danger and just talking, then tell them why you believe that. They do have a responsibility to at least make sure other kids are safe. They can't ignore this.

I'd be inclined to answer that my guns are locked up and secure. But, if you don't, then you could say that I decline to answer, but you may be assured that my son is totally safe and we are addressing this situation. I wouldn't lie, and moving your guns so it isn't technically a lie, is only one step from lying.

They cannot confiscate your guns. The constitution forbids it. It could be possible that a psychiatric evaluation could be ordered, but with a minor, they will probably rely on the parents to act first.