FAQ by SLUH FRESHMAN PARENTS
Q: When does SLUH open?
A: The school building is open just after 6 am on school days. The library is open by 6:30 am. Students have a quiet place to study, do research and have access to computers. The cafeteria is also open by 6:30; students can get milk, cereals, donuts. Both open at 6:30 every school day, late starts and exam days included. There is Mass every morning in the chapel 7:20 am. All are welcome. We love having parents join us.
Q: When does SLUH close?
A: Because there are so many activities every day, the school is open at least till 6, usually later. Because of so many activities on weekends, students can usually get into the school anytime during daylight hours.
Q: What supplies should my son bring to school on the first day?
A: Don’t worry about the first day. Bring writing utensils, paper, maybe a folder. Your son’s teachers will tell him the supplies he needs for the class. They will probably expect him to have these the next day. Most of these are pretty predictable.
Recent advice from a SLUH faculty member: “My son will be a junior at SLUH and I have a daughter who will be a freshman at Nerinx. In late July we begin looking for back-to-school sales. I bought 20 college ruled spiral notebooks for 13 cents each at Target, bought two packets of loose-leaf paper at Office Max for 67 cents each and bought 30 folders at Office Depot for 10 cents each. We have a few three ring binders at home." If these are not used at first, they may be later in the year.
Q: Is it a good idea to buy text books from sophomores?
A: It can be, but you must make sure that the book is the right book. Check the published book list for the text book and edition. Also, make sure the book is in good shape. Do not buy a book that is all marked or is in poor shape.
Q: What are some early warning signs that my son might be off to a bad start?
A: Not doing at least one and a half to two hours of homework a night. This is a big aspect of the transition from grade school to high school. For many incoming freshmen "homework" means written work. In grade school he probably did not need to "study" very much. If he says he does not have much homework, he probably means the written part. He needs to realize that the reading and studying assigned is important homework. Understanding that study and review is a necessary part of homework is one of the key transitions coming into SLUH.
Other signs? Is he using his planner? Does he have a messy locker? Is he having problems with being late to class? Is he forgetting or not having books or supplies needed? Ask to see his demerit card. Most students go through the year with only a mark or two. If your son is getting a lot of demerits, you might ask why, not to reprimand, but to offer some advice.
Q: Will my son know his grades in his classes?
A; He should though this will vary by teacher. He, and you, can check his grades on K12 Planet. Ask him to show you how to do this so you can do it on your own. Teachers should update grades regularly.
Q: What “good signs” should I look for?
A: That your son is working hard, is very busy, is struggling at times, but is happy and very glad to be at St. Louis U. High. More concretely: Is his planner being used well? Is his locker organanized?
Q: What should I not worry about?
A: Grades. Expect a grade drop from grade school. Midquarter and first quarter grades might be more indications of how he is dealing with the transition from grade school than his academic ability. One important thing freshmen need to learn to do is how to approach a teacher for extra help. Most find this difficult. He needs to realize this is a major purpose of Activity Period.
Q: How much homework should he be doing?
A: This varies by course and teacher. It also varies by students. Eventually 20-30 minutes per subject per night, so about 2 to 3 hours.
Q: What are the keys to him getting off to a good start?
A: Here are some ideas: