Before we reveal this week's new letters, it's time for a new teacher problem for you to solve! Here's Mr. Linquist:
If you have advice for Mr. Linquist, please fill out this form. If we like your response, we might include it in our next issue! You can also continue sending The Mask letters about your own problems using the original form. Last week, Mrs. Burstein shared with us her concern that as a morning person, she has so much “pep” in the morning that her students don’t know what to do with it. Thank you to everyone who submitted ideas! Here are our top five:
- “Do some exercise in the morning to get some of that pep out, or meditation to calm down a little.” ~ anonymous
- “Start off the day with a game of charades while you prep the room.” ~ anonymous
- “Play the Rocky theme and have them do the Rocky climb dance to pump up.” ~ Ms. Papini
- “Coffee for students to help them compete with your pep!” ~ Mr. Adams
- “You should be you and have them just deal with it.” ~ anonymous
Dear Mask,
Okay, so my dilemma is that my grades are not so great and parent-teacher conferences are on Friday. I don't want my teachers to bring it up, and I don't want to get into more trouble.
Sincerely,
Concerned Bean
Dear Concerned Bean,
Parent-teacher conferences are for talking about you and how you are doing in school, and unfortunately, that includes your grades. Your parents sound passionate about you doing a good job in school, so having a teacher talk out of the blue about how you are not doing great can be jarring. I recommend talking to your parents in advance. I know this sounds scary, but sit them down, admit that your grades are not very good, and tell them that you will work hard to improve. Hopefully your parents will see how much courage this takes and go easy on you. I believe in you!
Hopefully,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
My older brother can get nervous and anxious sometimes, and when I try to help him he just yells at me like I’m the cause of the problem. I just want to be understanding and helpful. How can I help?
Sincerely,
The Li’l Bro
San Jose, CA
Dear The Li’l Bro,
Getting yelled at is never fun, especially when you have good intentions. I have siblings too, and there are many instances when I wish they would treat me more like a friend rather than like an annoyance. Sometimes there's nothing you can do other than give them some space. If you want to do something nice, try making some cookies or writing your brother a note to leave on his bed. I admire your determination to help. I can tell you are a good sibling.
Lovingly,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
I am a twin and they like my twin more than me. It makes me feel left out. They also invite my twin and not me. I don’t know what to do. Can you help?
Sincerely,
Not the Better Twin
San Jose, CA
Dear Not the Better Twin,
Sometimes the best thing to do is put yourself out there. Hang out with them and try to become closer friends. They may be inviting your twin because they are closer friends with your twin, or perhaps they think you don’t enjoy hanging out with them. Be confident and sure of yourself; don’t hang out in the background because you think people don’t like you. Also, don’t forget you can also make new friends! You don’t need to be in the same friend group as your twin; in fact, many twins have separate groups of friends. I hope you figure things out and enjoy your friendships.
In friendship,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
I've been wondering a lot about Science Camp. I’m wondering what type of outdoorsy stuff would we do, what activities we would do, and so on. I'm pretty excited but nervous. Since I've never been camping before, could you give me some tips for me, please?
Sincerely,
Non-Very Camping Girl
San Jose, CA
Dear Non-Very Camping Girl,
It’s stressful to go away for the first time. Your first night may be a little difficult at first because your loved ones aren’t around. But once you get past the first night, I bet you’re going to feel a lot better. I remember the first time I slept away from home. My parents had to drag me out of the house like I was some kind of stone. But in all seriousness, just try your best to enjoy it. If you are nervous about some of the things you might be doing, I recommend asking a teacher or older student about what it’s like. Trust me, there are plenty of fun activities. Although it may seem like a daunting challenge, believe me that you will have a great time and enjoy yourself. You won’t regret this experience no matter what comes your way.
Campily,
The Mask