March 2022 Newsletter
South Redford Eagle Scholars Program
Keeping up with the Joneses
A few weeks ago, my 6-year-old yanked out his loose front tooth, leaving a trail of blood droplets on the floor. That night, the tooth fairy did her thing and I went to bed smiling, excited to see the joy on Sam's face when he woke up the next morning. Like most of us, he likes money.
Before leaving for work, I popped into Sam's room to say goodbye. He woke up, rubbed his eyes, reached under his pillow, grabbed two dollar bills, and frowned.
"What is this, dad? Two bucks? Charlie from Kindergarten got 12."
I was aghast. Had I become the dad with the snobby, ungrateful kids?
"Well that's how they do things in their house," is the best response I could muster, not realizing that I may have blown the cover on the tooth fairy.
And so begins the incessant comparisons of what we have versus what others have. Now that Sam’s going to his friends’ houses, I'm getting a lot of this:
"Their house is so much bigger."
"They have way more toys."
And:
"They get to watch Youtube."
"They get to play video games."
Project this out, and he'll be asking for a nicer bike, then a nicer pair of shoes, then a nicer car. And so on, until he's stretching himself to buy the nicest house he can afford in the nicest neighborhood on the nicest block in the nicest city he can find.
Unless...
What comes after "Unless" has a lot to do with how Andrea and I respond in these situations. Unfortunately our culture is not going to be much help. In fact, our culture and our economy depends on this "Keeping up with the Joneses'" mentality. Honestly, I don't know how to respond. Any insight is much appreciated.
Conversely, this comparative lens has been less prevalent in our class of 2022. They’re speaking differently than in years past. They're not as focused on what everyone else is doing and what everyone else has. Some recognize that even though they’ve dreamt of attending college out of state, what’s best for them is to stay closer to home. Some are just fine with starting at community college, where previously they might have been embarrassed. Others, who have done well in an extremely rigorous college-prep program, have recognized that trade school is a better fit.
I don’t know if the isolation of the pandemic forced students to reflect more deeply on what's best for them, or if the times are just changing. Or maybe it's just maturity. I hope Sam will get there.
In the meantime, I need to have a chat with Charlie's parents.
Acceptance letters are rolling in for seniors!
Seniors
URGENT: Complete this survey now!
https://forms.gle/sfs3o9Hz3JdB1R7r7
Some questions you need to be asking yourself:
- Have I applied to all of the schools I want to apply to?
- Have I received a decision from the schools I've applied to. If not, do I know when I will be receiving a decision?
- Have I received the financial award letter from the schools I've been accepted to?
- Have I visited the schools I've been accepted to?
- Have I met with Mr. Hughes recently to discuss questions 1-4?
<<COLLEGE CHATS VIA ZOOM>>
Sign up via Calendly for lunch or Seminar meetings. All seniors must meet with me at least once during the second semester. Also, feel free to call my cell with questions: 313-444-2590.
<<FINANCIAL AID COMPARISON TOOL>>
Use this tool to compare financial aid from the schools you've been accepted to.
<<COLLEGE VISITS>>
The #1 piece of advice I give to students once they go from "apply" mode to "decision" mode is to visit every school you are seriously considering attending. You'll thank yourself later!
<<SCHOLARSHIPS>>
Check out the scholarships page on the Eagle Scholars website and start applying if you have not already!
Juniors
<<10 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO>>>
Read this article now!
<<MANDATORY COLLEGE PREP MEETING>>
Please click the link below to sign up for your REQUIRED Spring meeting to discuss the SAT, course selections for senior year, college apps, scholarships, etc:
Freshmen and Sophomores
Middle School
<<8TH GRADE PARENT INFO SESSION>>
WHEN: Thursday, March 24th, 6-7pm
WHERE: Zoom Link: https://southredford-org.zoom.us/my/rorywhughes
WHAT:
I will be addressing FAQ such as:
- How is the experience different from Pierce?
- What are the requirements of the high school program?
- What courses will my child be taking as a 9th grader?
- How does grading work at the high school?
- What kind of college counseling will my child receive?
<<STUDY SESSION INFO>>
What: Eagle Study Sessions, and opportunity to work on assignments with other scholars, ask for assistance while working.
Time: 3:10-4:10, no bus transportation, parent/guardian must commit to picking up at 4:10 or giving permission to walk home.
Location: 5C, Mrs. Wilson's Room
Sign Up Required Prior to Each Session: Look for an email from Mrs. Wilson the Friday prior to each study session. Students must be signed up via the Google form in order to attend. Study sessions are limited to the first 25 students, and the Google form will be available when emailed each Friday prior to a session until 4 pm on Sunday.
*Note* This models the homework clinic available on Mondays and Thursdays. If this session fills or you prefer to have your child attend 2 days a week, you are welcome to sign up for that instead.
FAQ
“Comparison is a slippery slope to jealousy.” – Danielle LaPorte
The South Redford Eagle Scholars Program
Email: rory.hughes@southredford.org
Website: eaglescholars.southredford.org
Location: 26249 Schoolcraft Avenue, Redford Charter Township, MI, United States
Phone: 313-444-2590
Facebook: facebook.com/eaglescholarsprogram