This was a rough semester. Really rough. Justice struggled mightily in Social Studies because he doesn't actually go to that class. He goes to Challenge during Social Studies, and is expected to make up the work and catch himself up to the rest of the class. That's easier said than done, and he really had a tough time. So tough that he quit Challenge for a brief minute. I did not want him to quit, but he reasoned with me that he was going to get a B in Social Studies because he wasn't ever going to class, and that was unacceptable to him. I didn't want him to quit, but I agreed to allow him to drop out of Challenge because he was really taking the whole "B" thing hard. Really hard.
He cried. Often. There was an issue with a teacher. To make a long story short, there were emails exchanged, I punished Justice mightily for something he did not do, he refused to back down and went to the assistant principal. In the meantime, other parents started to complain. The truth finally was told, Justice came out of the whole thing in one solid piece and with a considerable amount of integrity. He told me "my reputation was at stake. I am not a liar." No, no he's not. I'm glad he stood up for himself. I won't be so quick to doubt him again. And for the record, I don't have a problem with a teacher making a mistake. Teachers are human just like everybody else. I do have a huge problem with a teacher making a mistake, covering it up, lying about it, watching me punish the heck out of my kid for something he did not do (lying), and the teacher still not owning up to the mistake. THAT is a problem. The most awesome part of the whole sordid story is that Justice handled it for the most part himself. He handled it like a champ. And he also decided to stay in Challenge.
Anyhow, this little boy right here brought his Social Studies grade up from an 89 to a 94 in a few short weeks. He studied HARD. He was so tired that last week of school, and it showed. I was so proud of him for spending so many hours studying for his finals. And boy did it pay off. He got a 100% on all of his final exams.
The school held an Honors Program to pass out the end of the year awards. I got a really awesome surprise when Justice and two other students sang the National Anthem. He wanted to surprise me so I was not prepared to tape it. It was beautiful though.
Justice is on the "A" Honor Roll, and to my surprise there were only six kids on that list. Then they announced the "Top Five" academic scholars of the year, and guess what?
Justice was ranked number TWO! He had the second highest GPA of all of the sixth graders!
Do you see how tired this kid is? He has dark circles, and he looks exhausted. Honestly, he was a little disappointed he wasn't number one. I'm super proud of him, number two is fan-freaking-tastic in my book. He was disappointed because he knows that he may have been number one if he didn't have that Social Studies struggle.
That struggle was a good learning experience for him. It is difficult not being able to be in a class and having to make everything up, but it teaches him how to multi-task, how to self-teach and learn on his own, and how to balance a demanding schedule. If the worst thing that came from that experience was the number two GPA in the sixth grade, then I'd say it was a smashing success.
He also received a special award from the Choir teacher and he was very excited about that. He had some very nice things to say about Justice when he presented the award. Justice soaked all that up like a sponge, he really loves choir.
I'm thankful for this humble little boy. I suppose he's not that little anymore, he is indeed maturing and growing up.
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