CAC PV 5th Grade

Each year as school begins on the secondary campus, new students and their parents are invited to New Student Orientation. It’s always scheduled the week before school begins, and it’s designed to give students a low-stress evening to walk the hallways, practice their combination a few times, meet their teachers, and get acclimated with life on Mustang Mountain before the first day of school.

As part of the program, administrators have a session with parents to cover things like dress code, pick-up procedures, RenWeb, etc. When talking with parents about RenWeb, I’d mention how notifications could be set up so that they’d get an email every time a grade was entered that fell below a certain percentage. I’d see parents' eyes light up thinking about how that extra tool could help them hold their child accountable.

And while it is a great tool, I would always pause and warn parents not to use it as a weapon with their child— especially right after school. Middle school and high school is a stressful time for kids, and the last thing a kid needs to hear from mom or dad when getting in the car after school is, "So, tell me about the English quiz grade. You got a 60?"

Most parents would nod in agreement when hearing that, but it would never fail that throughout the year, I’d need to remind some parents over and over again. A conversation should be had if grades are slipping, but timing is everything— and immediately after school in the pick-up line is neither the time nor the place.

So if you shouldn’t discuss that email notification, what should parents say to their child after school?

I’ve talked with several parents and students about this, I’ve read books and blog posts, and I’ve heard professional counselors offer advice. You may have some great recommendations, too, but here is my current favorite (courtesy of Dr. Wendy Model):

Notice it’s not about grades or academic performance or behavior nor is it a barrage of questions like "How was your day?" or "What did you do today?" or "Did you have fun today?" (which usually provide answers of "fine," "nothing," and "I guess so").

Instead, it’s a powerful statement and reminder of your love for your kid. Growing up is hard and school is stressful. Sometimes it’s just good for kids to be able to let down their guard and relax a little right after school and be reminded they are loved. What better way to do that than hearing they were thought about during the day, they were missed during the day, and they were valued during the day?

Week Four Spelling List

Classroom Resource Page (for class schedule, safety patrol rotation, textbooks, etc.)

Google Classroom (students may access this from their Google drive account)

Class ShowMe Page (video tutorials)