ACADEMIC YEAR

Keep the letters, packages and support coming. Just because Plebe Summer is a memory, does not mean they have Academy life beat. Now they must deal with the new "language," new regime, new friends and new challenging classes.

The academics are difficult, but the biggest pressure is time management. The average grade inflation of regulare college campuses has not reached the USNA. Encourage your Plebe to study and to include Extra Instruction (EI) on the schedule. The academics present the greatest difficulties and the greatest rewards. However, the Overall Order of Merit (OOM - class standing) is cumulative. Simply, points are earned each semester based on performance in academics (most important), physical education, military performane and conduct, Professional Competency Review (PCR) Exam in the Spring and Second Class Summer.

The phone calls may become longer, infrequent or inconsistent. Ask your Plebe to plan the calling time with you; however, your Plebe may not always be able to meet a time schedule. Get call-waiting (expecially if you have other teenagers) and call-forwarding options on your telephone! There are cycles in academy life, and the phone calls will reflect them. Be positive and encouraging. Call other parents for answers and support.

During Thanksgiving vacation encourage your Plebe to make arrangements to leave the Yard. Sponsors or other Midshipmen who live nearby often extend invitations. Some Plebes do come home. Remind your Plebe to begin early volunteering for duty so his/her watch will not fall during Thanksgiving and/or Christmas Break.

If a situation arises that cannot be handled by a phone conversation, encourage your Plebe to talk to the Chaplain or you can call the Chaplain. The Mid may feel there is no one to confide in at the Yard. Chaplains are well trained and experienced and hold conversations in strict confidence. Prompt identification of a problem can prevent it from becoming unmanageable.

Save your Midshipman time during 6-week, 12-week and final exams by sending a box lunch so he/she can study and eat in his/her room.