DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently got a call from my son's school saying that he is failing the sixth grade because he hasn't been turning in his homework. I work with him on his homework or review it almost every night, even though I have a hectic work schedule. I have not seen any of the assignments that the teacher claims he has missed. She told me this has been going on for some time, but this is the first that she mentioned it to me. She said that this time she will give him a chance to make up the work, but next time he gets a zero. I have talked to my son about this, but I think the teacher should be more responsible for letting me know what's going on with my son. How can I make that happen? I cannot be at school a lot. I have to work. -- Failing Grades, Chicago
DEAR FAILING GRADES: Schedule a meeting with the teacher as soon as you can. Ask her to partner with you on your son's success. Tell her you are committed to doing whatever you can to help him be a good student. Ask her for her help. Make a communication plan with her where you can learn what his assignments are to ensure that they get done.