I do not know about the rest of you, but at my house around report card time, things get a little tense. My children know that it is not acceptable to come home with a report card that has any grade lower than a B.  Now that may seem harsh, but I will explain my reasoning.  I sit with each of my children individually and make sure they understand all content being taught in all of their subjects. I quiz them on upcoming tests, make sure homework is handed in on time and keep active open communication with all of their teachers.

I openly welcome their requests for help, and assist them in preparing projects when needed.  This leaves no room for “I just didn’t get it.” or “I didn’t understand!”.   

After all of this dedication and hard work (mine and theirs), I expect an A on each of those lines on the report cards.  B’s will also be accepted because people make mistakes, and I get that.  The only reason a C would be given, in my opinion, is if the student is not trying.

Luckily, here in Orland Park we are blessed to have excellent teachers and an amazing school district.  They are doing their part to teach my children and I do my part to help from home.  My children are expected to do theirs.  Plain and simple.

I have taken a  lot of slack for the following, but it works for us and I plan to keep the practice in place.  When the kids come home with great marks, I reward them.  Whether it be a new video game or a trip to the salon for a pedicure (for the girls, of course), they are rewarded for their hard work.  Yes, I have even handed out cash.  I usually ask them what they feel they deserve as a reward for their grades.  They usually have something in mind, go figure.  It is not always what you may expect though.  After the last report cards were sent home they requested a day off of school.  They must have collaborated in private because it seemed to be unanimous.  So we did just that.  We all slept in (except for the hubby, of course) and had a nice relaxing day at home.

At the same time, punishments are put into place for not-so-great marks.  Loss of television privileges, video games and grounding are some of mine.  I also have been known to nag, scream and complain until the grades are brought up. 

Just when the kids thought I could not get my nose further into their schoolwork, lo and behold……….Orland School District 135 sent me a letter stating that I would be now be able to *gasp* have open access to my children’s ongoing grades and attendance online.  Imagine what joy this control freak felt at that moment.  The program is called Powerschool  Parent Portal and it allows parents to log in with a secure password and user name and have access to test/quiz, classwork and homework grades as well as attendance and even lets you know when your child was tardy for class.  The horror in my child’s face the first time he came home and I inquired about why he was late to his science class that very afternoon was priceless.  Now this is only available (at the present time) to children in Jr. High and above, but I am hoping that soon the elementary levels will incorporate it into their systems as well. 

So let the report card season commence……….(fingers crossed!)