Report card pick-up day

I used to look forward to them.

I used to dread them.

I used to think they could change student behavior.

I used to think I could see student behaviors reflected in parents.

I used to think they were so important.

Nowadays, after enduring at least 15 report card pick-up days, the only thing I can say for sure is this: Make sure you have plenty of hand sanitizer on hand. Shaking all those hands can sure get you sick.

Today went smoothly. Parents are mostly concerned. Mostly overwhelmed. Raising a teenager is difficult, I suppose.

I have a formula to getting my point across to parents.

• I say something nice about the kid. They smile.
• I tell them I'm sure the kid can succeed in my class, with just a little effort. They're eating it up.
• Then, I whack them with the truth. They believe every word. And the kid just shakes his head, thinking, "I'll get you for this!"

Today I added something new. Whenever a parent thanked me (yeah, it always feels good when they do that), I smiled and said, "No, thank you. You're doing a great job. Now if we could just get this kid to do a great job."

I figure everyone could use a little positive reinforcement.