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Hi parents! The first major marker of how our children are doing is now complete. Report cards are at hand. The question becomes, "What will we do when we have the reports in our very own hands?" Really. The choices are varied. Let's take a look:

1. We could actually refuse to collect the report or refuse to open it up for personal examination.

There will be some who decide that it is in their best interest never to lay their eyes on the truth of the matter concerning their children's academic performance. For once results are seen (that may not be good) it becomes the responsibility of the parents to proceed with wisdom from that moment onward. It will be the parents who deal with their own children, and then communicate with the school as to how their children can change their current academic status.

2.  We could nervously and excitedly muster up the courage to rip open that envelope to read our children's report.

This is where I am. Like some of you, I have asked my child questions about how she is progressing in school. I have seen the many test results. I have listened to many a complaint (with the parent-friendly ear) and then responded with the parent voice. I have watched my child work on projects, study for tests and complete homework assignments, and now I wonder if the effort has yielded the desired results.

I wonder where most of Bermuda's public school parents are in this process of dealing with the current state of their children, academically.

Parents, I hope and pray that you really understand the importance of this first benchmark concerning your children's educational process. I have always advised students that it is best to make a running start to the school year.

Students should do their very best at the beginning of the school year, because most likely things will only become more challenging as time progresses. I can remember last school year. My daughter was a cutting-edge student. Now, what I mean by that is she was on the edge of passing a certain subject (would you believe that it was science?). We talked about it, met with the teacher and even the principal of the school.

The bottom line was that since it was late in the school year it would take quite an effort to improve her grade. It is always easier to change a grade near the beginning of the academic year, rather than towards the end. It's a mathematical aspect that is very real.

Thank God, my child managed to pass that subject and therefore earned Honour Roll status. Point to note: Just one subject could have messed up her overall grade and ability to be an Honour Roll student.

So what's the lesson? Well, this year, we will make sure to examine that first report like a CSI agent! We will see where any areas of weakness may be and we will step to it right away.

Parents, this is a key to the success of your children. As a matter of fact, this is a life-long lesson. Let's deal with the academics of our children's lives, before April, May, and June. It will be too late then. Let us work right now in correcting the molehills before they become mountains. Respice Finem.[[In-content Ad]]

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