Focus Bubba, focus!

At the end of his freshman year, Sterling moved back to Vancouver to live with his mom.  He's been solely with me for the last 4-5 years.  The biggest concern I had, besides not living with me anymore, was that his mom wouldn't follow up on his school work.  She doesn't have a computer at her house and cannot check up on his grades.  Sterling isn't going to offer up the fact that he is struggling, either.
I told him, prior to the year beginning, that I wasn't going to hold his hand to the fire any longer.  It was now up to him.  I mean, what can I do from the coast?  If I were to call him every night, he would either not answer the call or just go through the motions of "uh huh...yes...I did it".
Flash forward to today.  It is the last day of his first semester of his sophomore year.  Three C's and three D's.  How happy was I?  Not happy at all.
I immediately jumped into action mode and emailed three of his teachers.  Let them know that I was now an active participant.  I asked them what I could do.  Sent both Sterling and Rhonda a text letting them know that at the very least we would be calling each other the following day and at best, I would be driving over there to discuss the issue with them both.  I got an immediate email response from his math teacher.  Her take on things was that Sterling is very smart but doesn't do his homework.  OBVIOUSLY!
Next morning I called the two of them and I beat the horse until it was a bloody puddle of nothingness.  Got his mother to commit to reviewing his grade book with he and I on a weekly basis.  Also, he is grounded Mon-Fri. until he shows significant improvement.
His mom doesn't have cable or internet.  She only just got a smart phone.  She was unable to check up on him.  I offered to get them internet.  That will be happening soon.  No excuses for them not to review grades.

I just want the boy to be accountable for himself.  That's why I stayed away (as best I could) in regards to his grades.  He has proved that once again...he's not ready.  We discussed tutors.  We'll see how the final grades pan out.  (the teachers don't have all work in the gradebook yet)

I do believe that it is difficult for kids today to remain focused on tasks for as long as the school asks.  It's not the teachers fault.  I believe our society has A.D.D.  Everything comes at you so fast.  Go to any restaurant and there is MASS DISTRACTION on the walls (pictures, flags, goofy crap).  ESPN has sportscenter.  All your sports highlights in 30 mins.  All this instant gratification, nowadays.  These things make it tough for a kid to stay focused for 5 months.  But...it's the system we have in place and Sterling must do his best.
At least it gives me a reason to call and talk to him.  Even if it does drive him nuts that I talk about school all the time.  Looks like I can't/won't be hands off like I thought I would.  I hope his ma holds his hand to the fire like she said she would.
Good luck 2nd semester, Sterling.  Fail a class and you're taking summer school and I'm getting you a tutor, you little SOB!