As you know, report cards are coming home tomorrow, Tuesday February 10th. If we are having an interview, in the envelope you will find a half sheet of white paper with your interview time on it.
If your interview time doesn't work, please email me so that we can reschedule. If I don't hear from you, I'll assume that means you're coming.
Just like in November, I will be having a discussion with students about what their report cards mean and some things to remember on report card day. Here is some of what we will discuss:
- Report cards are personal, don't share your marks with anyone. Everybody is good at different things, and it never feels good to compare.
- Only open your envelope once you are with your parent/caregiver.
- Take learning skills comments seriously. It is hard to make progress in subject areas without strong learning skills.
- When I was in school, getting an A meant you were doing well. Today, a B means you are doing well and meeting expectations. An A means you are going beyond what was expected, so it's not an easy mark to earn. C means you're getting there, maybe you need a little extra help from the teacher or at-home review. It's nothing to get upset about.
- Trying your best is the most important thing - try not to put a ton of emphasis on the letter grade. In the subject comment boxes, I explain what you've accomplished so far, and what you can try to do next in order to get an even better mark next time. Read these with care and decide what you will try to do better (pick one thing). Parents can also select one thing they'd like to work on more at home. In our interview, we can discuss what each of us is going to do going forward, myself included.
- Please take a moment to write your goals on the bottom of the second page and return it to me with your envelope so that we can reuse it in June. You can bring this to your interview or send it with your child to school.
I'm sure you already know that this week the French Book Fair is happening in the library. Last week you received a little pamphlet with a ticket you can return for an opportunity to win $50 worth of books for at home and our classroom. If everyone returns that ticket, our class would have a great chance of winning! You can check out the book fair before or after school, or when you come for your interview. If you feel comfortable, you can talk to your child about bringing money to school (where to keep it and what they may spend it on) and allow them to visit the book fair at recess. There are usually small things (pencils, erasers) for just $1, and books tend to be between $8 and $25. Due to the book fair setup we will not be going to the library for our regular book exchange on Thursday. You can keep your current books until Monday the 23rd.
Thanks for your ongoing support, see you later this week.
Tamara