From Sleepy to Successful

Mike, a tall, burly, eleventh-grader, was referred to a Communities In Schools of the Laurel Highlands ISSP/site coordinator in December 2012 by his English teachers for some extra academic help. Having failed English the year before, he was enrolled in both the tenth and eleventh grade classes. His teachers reported that he was having trouble staying awake in class and had been written up for sleeping. He had fallen behind with homework and classwork, and needed to complete many make-up assignments.

While everyone agreed that Mike was “a great guy,” his grades were faltering. At risk of not passing the eleventh grade, Mike began coming to tutoring sessions during his fifth period study hall. He took advantage of the opportunity to be tutored anywhere from three to four times a week, only skipping sessions to make up tests, or work on projects. After a couple of weeks, the make-up work was all turned in, and Mike was caught up with the rest of his class.

It was evident that Mike preferred being outdoors, hunting and fishing to staying inside and doing homework. With some guidance, he found that he could complete most of his homework in study hall, so that he still had time for his hobbies at home. After a month of working with the CISLH site coordinator, both English teachers reported a change in his grades, saying that he is doing much better in class and with homework. Mike has found new confidence in his abilities to accomplish goals and keep on track. He will be a senior in the 2013-2014 school year, and if he keeps up his hard work, will be graduating on time next June.