Dear Ms. Chu

Thank you for teaching us this year and helping us with the Juniors recycling. You are a great teacher and good at what you do.

Love,

Your “okay” students

Attached to a Christmas gift and signed with the names of my students. I initially laughed at the “okay” part. This means they knew they are passing with acceptable grades or might be aware of their satisfactory effort. Does this mean they understood they are capable of more? The idea was a little sad, but also humorous. I mean, at least they weren’t in denial or lying about their greatness but producing nothing.

On my wall I have a couple of rules. One of them being: Do not think you are smart, be smart. 

So I decided to ask the gift givers. What did you mean by “okay”? Their answer… We know you want more from us. We are working harder than last year. 

Well, they’re getting it. :) I made sure to write them a thank you note.