I'm drinking my nightly Wendy's iced tea (thanks, Pete and Rachel!!!), listening to Quinn up in her bed singing and finishing up report cards, getting ready to send them off...just have to put in comments for everyone. This makes me anxious. "Uses class time well," "Genuinely interested in subject," "Positive attitude in class discussion"...these are easy to give out. It's the negative ones that are harder. "Frequently not on task," "Potential for better work," "Often does not bring materials to class"...I'd rather talk to students or parents about these things, rather than just leaving a turdy little notation on the report card with no explanation or suggestions for improvement.

I remember the comments that my senior year English teacher (who I'd had for two years, done speech team with, and was practically related to at that point) put on my report card. "Needs night driving assistance" and "Suggest private instrument lessons." My mom was amused, my dad was a little befuddled.