Report Cards

Report Cards went home on Wednesday. Of the 20 students in my homeroom, 13 received letters that they are not meeting local promotion standards at this time. Basically, that means they are failing at least 2 core classes.

Since the report cards went home, there has been some parent contact. The letter hit home with some students. So far, we have 5 parent conferences scheduled, and have already had one conference. Maybe the reality is setting in for some students. It helped that registration for high school is around the corner, and the guidance counselor has been talking with students about high school. Maybe the wake up call is what was needed. As I said to a parent yesterday, "Should we hit him over the head with a 2 by 4?" I really think that is what is needed for some kids.

Interestingly enough, I only had 5 report cards returned by students on Friday. I guess the fact that Thursday was a snow day did not help. The last thing kids thought about was their report cards. Those that are truly concerned brought theirs back. Those who don't care, didn't.

On a bright spot, I handed back a quiz that was taken. Students who have never passed did well. One student, who is ESL, scored a 95! For him, that was the best he had done all year. Another, who has made no effort, made a 60. For him, this was like making an A - he has never done that well. Of course, then there was the student who scored a 9; he got 2 questions right. Even while doing a group activity, his attitude was one of "I don't know this stuff and I'm going to fail anyway, so why try?" I HATE that attitude!