[shari626]

When I attended the kids last day of school awards ceremony ~ they gave out awards for the walking program the school has (for those who walked a lot of miles) and awards for a fitness program that the school has. Some kids got awards for being on a Math team of some sort, and for citizenship type awards. My child had over 400 AR points in one year and gets no recognition. (Most children never break 100 for the year) She didn't say anything, but dh and I both thought that the school could have at least recognized that.

[BensMom]

I'm sure she was probably upset as well. Seems like they could encourage more readers if there was some sort of award for 1, 2, 3 place, right?

[HS&Fsmom]

That sucks.

Where I work, I was so proud on awards day. They gave certificates to several kids in all grades who checked out and logged that they read a high number of books (no certain number required, they just read several each). They also gave a special recognition to a 5th grader who read the most books.

Of course, I have to brag that I work at an above fantastic school... even their bumper stickers, instead of saying "My child is an honor student at NGE", they say "NGE- We Honor All Our Students."

I wish every school adopted that type of attitude! It allows the students who might not otherwise get the chance to succeed, and still lets the ones shine who really deserve it!

[shari626]

Originally Posted by Hugo&Sergiosmom

That sucks.

Where I work, I was so proud on awards day. They gave certificates to several kids in all grades who checked out and logged that they read a high number of books (no certain number required, they just read several each). They also gave a special recognition to a 5th grader who read the most books.

Of course, I have to brag that I work at an above fantastic school... even their bumper stickers, instead of saying "My child is an honor student at NGE", they say "NGE- We Honor All Our Students."

I wish every school adopted that type of attitude! It allows the students who might not otherwise get the chance to succeed, and still lets the ones shine who really deserve it!

I love that!! Great bumper sticker! Sounds like a great school! Will your kids go there?

[HS&Fsmom]

I highly doubt mine will go there... this will come off sounding horrible, but they would not fit in with the population that we serve. It is a Title 1 school with 80% of kids receiving free or reduced lunch and all the kids are from low-income working class or non-working homes. The children come from very unstable families for the most part, and a lot of the teaching is remedial. However- the test scores are consistently high b/c the teachers do an awesome job!! And the kids have great peer interactions and there are even after school clubs for arts and performing arts... but my kids would not be well matched socially there and I would be in a dual relationship with my clients as peers for my kids...

But anyway, Erin definitely gets the JM Ultimate Reading Award in my book!!!

[mommyof2princesses]

It is sad that children who accomplish so much don't get the recognition they deserve. I have worked in Title 1 schools as well as in a school in an upper middle class nieghborhood. I have since left teaching other people's children to teaching my own. However, the one trend I noticed in the schools is rewarding children who have tried hard, or are much improved or great attendance. it seems long gone that children who have 400 ar points or children who had the highest math average receive awards anymore. I hear...we need to encourage those who are trying hard, and if we reward those doing so well, the ones who are trying but are not doing well will feel bad. I just don't see that. Sure, lets award a student who has really improved and accomplished something, but we can't leave at the wayside the students who have gone above and beyond their call.

When my dd was in elementary school most of the rewards were for most improved, perfect attendance, outstanding PE student, but they did do AR awards and highest average. My dd always did bring home the top AR points in the school, even in 2nd grade. By the time she hit 5th grade they stopped doing even AR awards and highest average.

[shari626]

Originally Posted by mommyof2princesses

It is sad that children who accomplish so much don't get the recognition they deserve. I have worked in Title 1 schools as well as in a school in an upper middle class nieghborhood. I have since left teaching other people's children to teaching my own. However, the one trend I noticed in the schools is rewarding children who have tried hard, or are much improved or great attendance. it seems long gone that children who have 400 ar points or children who had the highest math average receive awards anymore. I hear...we need to encourage those who are trying hard, and if we reward those doing so well, the ones who are trying but are not doing well will feel bad. I just don't see that. Sure, lets award a student who has really improved and accomplished something, but we can't leave at the wayside the students who have gone above and beyond their call.

When my dd was in elementary school most of the rewards were for most improved, perfect attendance, outstanding PE student, but they did do AR awards and highest average. My dd always did bring home the top AR points in the school, even in 2nd grade. By the time she hit 5th grade they stopped doing even AR awards and highest average.

Maybe that's why they don't acknowledge my daughter. Oh well - we got her something for having a phenomenal year and we are so proud of her!

[HS&Fsmom]

Cool! I am glad you got her something!!