Location: St. Augustine, FL
About Me: A high school Biology teacher's coping with rosacea while living in the interesting and sometimes insane world of public education.
November 16, 2004
Interim reports
Yesterday we passed out interim grades to students. Many of these probably don't get home to the parents but at least we try to communicate. Today I got a couple of emails from parents who were asking why their child's grades were low. In one case the student had neglected to tell the parents that they had not turned in 3 daily assignments or completed a quiz they had missed when absent. I sent a copy of the student's grades home. It's going to be interesting to see how that student deals with the revelation that they have not been trying as hard as they had apparently led their parents to believe. They will probably claim that they had turned in all of their work. Responsibility is something that many of our students need to learn. In the past their parents have 'bailed them out' when they let their work slip. It's about time that they are held accountable for their actions (or lack of action). Parents do a disservice to their kids when they do not have consequences when the kid slacks off and then makes excuses for it. The second child had missed 2 assignments and had not taken a test they missed when absent. Neither of these kids have shown the motivation necessary to do well in class, but with some parental pressure they still have time to turn things around academically.
The rosacea is a little better as far as flushing is concerned. The constant flushing recently has caused several blood vessels in my face to remain visible. There isn't much I can do about this except laser treatment. I'm not thrilled at this prospect since laser therapy can sometimes actually do more damage than good. It's also extremely expensive and my insurance does not cover this treatment for rosacea. I will probably avoid it as long as the vessels are not too disfiguring. Other than that, the week has gone ok so far. It takes a lot of energy to keep the kids motivated. They are tired and ready for a break. Today we reviewed for the upcoming arthropod test by playing a beach volleyball type of game in class. I saw a number of the students taking notes, which is a good sign. They are actually beginning to worry a little about their grades and most will probably study for this test (I hope!).
Posted by Ken Albin on November 16, 2004 03:04 PM