Sorry, Mississippi

LOL...I live in Gulfport. I know of only one girl sent there for having sex in the gym of Gulfport High. I really don't know much other than it seems a little like school jail. As far as the classes go, the girl mentioned above said it was a joke and they hardly did any work. She was upset she had to go back to the H.S this year. Her mom said it was more of a punishment. They didn't try to find solutions to the bahavior problems, just simply separate the bad from really bad. I don't know. Dealing with defiant children can be hard for schools I'm sure, but I still feel if they are sent to an alternative school counseling should be involved to try to determine the underlining problem that caused the behavior so it can be changed. Please for yourself and your son get counseling also. You need to be able to understand why he is so defiant so you can help refocus his attention to more positive things. Just curious, how old is he and what in particular is he doing that is defiant? Send me a private message if you feel uncomfortable about talking about it here. I hope things get better for you.

He just turned 14, in the 7th grade because he has already had to repeat the 6th grade and now looking at repeating the 7th grade. He just refuses to do anything from school work to his chores, he has no motivation for himself to succeed. His step-father is a great role model as am I, we have our own Contracting business in which we both work very hard at everyday, that alone, I thought, would want him to try hard at school so that he doesn't have to work so physically as hard as we do. He keeps saying that he already knows all the stuff that he is learning in school, so he is bored. That I understand, but I keep trying to tell him that he is bored because he had to repeat or that the 2 other states that we lived in last year were ahead of Mississippi, but that if he would just do the work now that he could move on and learn new, more challenging stuff. Even his teachers have told him that he understands and is intelligent enough to do and complete the work, he just refuses to. Of course, the have tried to label him as ADD or ADHD, but that is not the problem, we took him to a Neuro-specialist to be sure. He enjoys video games and soccer, and I would love to let him participate in soccer, but I feel that his school and learning is more important at this point. Should I let him play soccer anyway? In Texas, he had good grades and soon after I let him play soccer they started going down...Help!

I understand his frustrations about MS being behind. I know that with my daughter. I think he may be using this as an excuse though. Tough love may be the only solution. You know what.....he seems just hard headed and lazy. Not putting you down as a parent. He is getting a mind of his own and testing you. Stay strong. Opt to put his behind in summer school. Even if they plan on passing him. He needs to know that even if he doesn't take his education seriously, you do. Strip every pleasure away from him if you have to until he gets his head where it belongs. I can only give my opinion as a mom. I know it's hard. Speak with a counselor if you have to. You don't need laziness to turn to angry rebellion. As far as soccer goes, I'm back and forth with that idea. Hmmm......it may help motivate him. i don't know on that. Just don't give up. You will figure it out.

That is just the thing, we have taken every luxury and fun thing away from him and he is still defiant. We have spoken to his school counselor, no help, and his teachers, even my father who is a retired principal. We are holding firm with him, but it is hard. I am glad to have someone to talk to with about this. Thanks.

I think you should try to speak with soeone at the Alternative School. See if they have a counselor there. Get their opinion. This school system is so frustrating to me too. Good thing my girls are only 11 and 6. Don't know what I would do n your shoes. Yes it is good to vent. I am just sorry I don't have any good solutions since I am not going through it.

Thank you anyway. Like I said, it is just nice to have someone to talk to about it.

If a student got in trouble at Gulfport High School she would not get sent to the Harrison County Alternative School; She would be sent to Gulfport Alternative School. These are two different districts. Also, you can't choose to send your child to the alternative school, they have to be recommended by the principal and/or a local committee after getting into serious trouble while at their regular school. HCAS has an excellent counselor, Mrs. Trussell, who would be happy to talk with you about your concerns. The phone number is 228-539-5956.