A few weeks ago my hubby checked the mail and found that both - yes BOTH - of our children were receiving the award for Student of the Month for September! We were very excited!! Jeremy had been selected as SOTM two years ago in 1st grade from the most fabulous teacher we have encountered to date. Well then nothing happened in 2nd grade. We thought he must have been overlooked or maybe we needed to realize he wasn't going above and beyond the 6 pillars of character that are required for a teacher to select you. There are only 9 or 10 coveted spots throughout the school year so if a teacher has a great class he/she might have a hard time picking the small few out of a class of 24 or more students. Or your child might just truly not deserve the award. So a year went by without any mention of student of the month and I have to admit, his dad and I were a little disappointed. I mean this is Jeremy we are talking about. A boy who does not like to get in trouble in school, a boy who is such a sweatheart his Auntie Neicia wants to take him and run off to Mexico leaving her kids behind! Well somehow this year we got lucky and both of our kiddos were selected! We were very proud that Maddie was selected in her first year as a kindergartner! We knew she would be outgoing, but assumed that would get her into trouble, not rewarded for helping out! We got there early that morning. Finally made front row! We knew we had the best seats in the place. Maddie was first. We could tell she nervous being in the front of the auditorium, all eyes on her. She kept staring at the ground, twisting her lil body back and forth. Her teacher read a statement as to why she picked Maddie as student of the month. It went a little something like this...
"I am proud to choose Madeline as the September student of the month. Madeline continually demonstrates all six pillars of character! Madeline always follows classroom rules. She raises her hand to share an answer and waits her turn to be called on. She listens carefully to directions and does not interrupt when another student is speaking. (Are we sure she is talking about my Maddie, the very one who has no patience at home??)
Madeline always tries her best! She is willing to share and help others. She will take time from her work, center, or even recess to help someone out! I can always count on Madeline to help in any way that is needed. I am very proud of you Madeline and you deserve to be proud as well!!
Jeremy was up after all of kinder, 1st and 2nd grades. We had to sit around a bit, but there was my bootie. All big and handsome ready to accept his award. This is what Jeremy's teacher's had written why he was selected...
"Jeremy was selected as our September Student of the Month because he demonstrates our six pillars of character. The character traits that best describe Jeremy are "Caring and Good Citizenship." He takes pride in doing his school work. He makes an effort to do it right, and isn't afraid to ask questions. Jeremy often helps anyone in need, including me. If someone needs help with their chore, Jeremy is one of the first to offer his help. He does all this with a cheerful attitude. What a dependable guy. Parkridge is a better place because of Jeremy's pleasant personality and caring ways. He lives up to our class motto of "Never Settle for Less Than your Best." Jeremy, you truly deserve to be our September Student of the Month. We are proud to have you as part of our third grade class!"Whew...what an emotional day! I am truly blessed with great kids!
