Story Archive

Making the Grade

When Beth Tillack read her son’s Pasco (Fla.) Middle School report card, she was taken aback. “I immediately assumed it’s a mistake,” Tillack said. Even though her son had a “C” and “D”, the report card had a smiley face and “good job” written on it, along with notification that he had made the honor roll. The school’s honor roll system is based on overall points, so it’s possible to make the roll with C’s, D’s, and even F’s if the other grades are high enough. “The bottom line is there is nothing honorable about making a D,” Tillack said. “I was not happy, because how can I get my child to study for a test when he thinks he’s done enough?” The school is now reviewing its policy on honor rolls, which Tillack agrees is needed. “It makes my job at home so difficult,” she said. “There definitely should be a cut off.” (MS/WFTS Tampa) ...The sad part: no other parent had ever made such a complaint before.