The other thing we can not do is label a kid based on a number or letter. The report paints a picture of what a child did during a specific time, by they do not define who that child is or will be. My mom told me a story of seeing one of my former elementary teachers in a grocery store after I had received my first principal position. This was 15 years removed from elementary school. She said to the teacher, “Guess what Joe is doing these days?” I’m sure the thought of the teacher was “Probably 5 to 10 somewhere.” When my mom told her I was a principal the look of surprise on the teacher’s face was probably worth all of the “Satisfactory” or “Needs Improvement” comments. My mom is 5 ft. nothing. I know she walked out of that grocery store feeling taller than anyone there.

In my first year of teaching I remember calling and telling her a story of a student in my class. The young man just wouldn’t listen. He would do everything he could to grab attention from the other students, didn’t complete his work, and seemed to always have a question. I didn’t know what to do with him because he didn’t fit with the rest of the class. I remember the frustration in my voice when I was telling her the story. The next day I got home from school and there was blinking light waiting for me on the answering machine (yep...you remember the answering machine). It was my mom and I’ll never forget the message. She said… “I thought I would share this with you...Joey has a hard time focusing in class. He doesn’t show interest in what we are doing. He has a hard time getting his work done. He has a hard time sitting still during work time.” The comments were from my 2nd grade report card. She followed it with “Joe, you turned out ok...give the kid a break.” I had forgotten that I was there for him...not the other way around.

Last week my freshman son came home and we opened the mail together with his 1st semester grade report. There were more A’s on that report card than I had cumulatively in 4 years of High School, no joke. Though I am proud of the work he does to attain these grades, they don’t define him. He is a phenomenal kid...regardless of what that report card says. My hope for parents and teachers is simple...the day the envelope gets opened should not be scary. It should not be a surprise. Most importantly, it should not define who your child is or who they will be. Sometimes we just need a little time. So...give the kid a break. Go Crickets.