Monday June 22 - Students, staff, teachers and guests. Welcome to Birchwood!
According to the Google, Grading Presents - Before parents started paying for straight A's, public school teachers were the ones handing out merit rewards. In the 1800s, as public education became widespread, teachers had to manage classrooms of 50 to 100 children at a time. Kids would get merit slips from teachers and proudly take thems home to their parents. This eventually shifted the reward dynamic to the household: parents started to celebrate the slip of paper with a special treat, a favorite meal, or a shiny copper penny. That led to report cards and whatever is offered today as a reward to students for completing a school year. Infact, the practice has evolved so much that it is now a heavily studied psychological topic. Reports have been done that examine the relationship between the extrinsic rewards system (outside motivators like the promise or expectation of toys or cash) and how that can actually lower a child's intrinsic motivation to do well in school.
Grade 9 Closing Happening - No Grade 7s and 8s in the lobby or the cafeteria today, or at least until after 1:00. This includes lunch. You’ll go outside to eat.
Social Committee Meeting in Mr. James’ room at 2:50 today.
Valentine’s Day 2027 - 243 days and it’s on a Sunday.
Report Cards for Grade 7 and 8 - These are given out on Wednesday.