A note from the teacher

Brent got his first "official" report card last week. How exciting. Our school district only gives out two report cards per year for kindergarten - so, this was our first. What I wanted to share was the letter that the school has the kids sign & it was stapled to the front of the report envelope.

This message goes far beyond how we deal with "report card time", I've been in many situations, when parents are comparing children & I just cringe. I hope to never participate (even unknowingly) in any competiveness with my children. I know all of you parents out there have seen or experienced the competitiveness with parents - it can be pretty crazy.

Not sure how original this letter is, but I thought it was blogworthy (if that's a word):

Dear Dad & Mom,
I'm bringing home a "snapshot" of myself. This picture will be a time exposure of me that's been developing during the past weeks/months. Considering my many likes and dislikes and my mood changes from day to day, I think it's a pretty good likeness of me.

When you see my "snapshot" remember this is a report about someone near and dear to you. So, please don't get too uptight if you see a blemish. I hope you will accept me as I am.

Please do not picture me as being better than all the other children. Remember that all children do not learn to talk or walk at the same time, nor do they learn math and reading at the same rate. I ask you not to compare me with my brother, sister, or the kid next door. You can set realistic goals for me, but please be careful not to push me to succeed at something that is beyond my ability.

I want you to understand that my report card is a picture of my school progress. When you meet with my teacher, you will learn many things about my life at school, even some things that might surprise you.

My teacher knows me as I am at school. You know how I am at home. The "real" me is somewhere in-between. When these two pictures become blended with acceptance and understanding, I hope my "snapshot" will be a shining portrait.

Love,
Brent