At St. Rose, we are all about continual quality improvement.  To this end, the faculty and I have recently reviewed our system of awards for report cards grades in the areas of effort and conduct. One of the things we know from educational research concerning motivation is that praise given lavishly and liberally may result in congratulating mediocrity. This can convey an unintentional message to the students that we think mediocrity is all they are capable of.  So this year, we are telling students in grades 4 - 8 that each of them begins every new trimester with a grade of 

Satisfactory in the areas of effort and conduct.  Those who put forth their best efforts in school work and who exhibit classroom and playground behavior consistent with the St. Rose Way will earn a mark of 

Excellent on their report card.  Students who choose not to do what is required of them will see 

Needs Improvement on their report cards.  A grade of

Satisfactory means acceptable, even though there is room for growth.  Although these are subtle changes, we feel certain that they will motivate our students to do their best and strive for the mark of

Excellence, rather than just expecting it.  The primary grade teachers are using these same guidelines and explaining them to their students in more age appropriate ways.