Monday Eric brought home his first progress report for 3rd grade. I must admit when I saw it, I was completely shocked. He has a 98 in Reading, 100 in math, 100 in science, and a 71 in Social Studies!! Seventy One! Next to his grade was handwritten “missing work”, and when I asked him about the horribly low grade he said it’s because he forgot to turn in his work and left it in his “work in progress” folder. He said he turned it in that day, but that the teacher already had made out the progress reports. I explained to him that a 71 is simply unacceptable because I know he can do better, and that if he brings home a grade like that again he’s definitely going to be punished. I didn’t punish him this time, though. I wrote his teacher a note and asked about the grade, but have yet to receive a response.

For some children, a 71 might be considered “okay” or even “good”. My uncle used to have problems in school so when he brought home anything above failing, he was doing good. My son, however, has n ever brought home anything below a 95, so this is definitely upsetting to me. It makes me wonder if he’s just becoming really lazy or what. I simply don’t know. Anyway, I know that it better not be happening again. >;[