Progress Report Night

On Thursday, we had an early release day for our students.  School ended at 1:00, and parents and students were to return to campus from 4:00-7:00pm to pick-up their mid-quarter progress reports.  First of all, I cannot believe we have been teaching almost five weeks, and secondly, who would have ever thought of having parents come to school to pick-up progress reports, not report cards, but progress reports?  Joey and I were expecting around 10 of our parents and students to show up…wrong!  Probably, about 40% of my students with their parents came to pick-up their progress reports.  If we thought we loved the students, we are definitely in love with their parents!   So gracious, so supportive, so welcoming…  It is absolutely wonderful to work in a place where education is truly valued, and educators are truly appreciated.  Families see education as a way to a better life.  They want to learn, and they crave the chance to expand their horizons. 

I teach two students who are dating and recently became proud parents.  Their son was born on October 11.  The mother was at school the Friday before giving birth on Tuesday.  The students did not have school on Monday and Tuesday, or I’m sure she would have been in class when her water broke.  The father was at school on Wednesday ready to learn.  I asked him if he was tired, and he said, “Yes, Miss, but education is more important than my being tired.”  (Footnote: as we pulled up to school today, Tuesday, we saw the mother back at school.  She had her first child a week ago and is already back at school!)

Saipan isn’t a perfect place by a long shot.  It definitely has its problems.  However, with this type of attitude in teenagers, I can’t help but think the future is bright.