Grades

It is that time again, summer. School is out and everyone is ready for a break. But before you do that please take time to review your child's report card with an objective eye. People make mistakes. If you received a report card that it is vastly different from your child's progress report, you received earlier, you should have a discussion with the teacher and possibly the principal. If you identify comments about your child that are not reflective or constructive, a conversation is warranted.

For two years in a row, we have found serious mistakes on report cards. You should check grades, effort, comments and days absent. Each have their own impact. If your child was not doing well or struggling, you should have had that information well before the report card arrived home. When report cards are administered on the last day of school, it may be a barrier to the discussions that are necessary but do not let that hinder you from contacting the school right away. If you find that there are mistakes, request a new and revised report card. Insist on it.

When most teachers learn that there was a mistake they admit it and are very apologetic. In other situations you may have to organize emails, past grades, and progress reports. Either way assume the best and prepare for the worst.

Talk to your child about grades. Be sure to emphasize their strengths. The worst thing a parent can do is to minimize a child down to a letter grade. If the child has four A's and one C, try to avoid emphasizing the C. Tell them to always do their best. Their best may be a C.

Now, proceed with enjoying your summer!

Stay informed.