Graduation Speech: Eulogy For Emily

Thank you for meeting with Greyson yesterday and for replying to my e-mail. Please know that I do not email often or get involved until I have tried every attempt to remedy the issues at home. If I had not seen her putting so much time and effort into this class then I would have likely not taken her frustrations as seriously. She called me from school to let me know you addressed all of our concerns and gave her some ideas and a paper we plan to help her guide for future writings. We plan to sit down on Monday and review the information you gave her. She is to show me your advice on the past paragraphs so that I can help her make sure that future assignments are hopefully more what is required and meet the SOL guidelines.

Sadly, I'll just say that the timing could have not have been worse due to the three people, particularly one, to be standing at your desk when you critiqued her work. Let me apologize and state that she did not think it was vicious; however, you asked her if she even read what she turns in to you. Again, Greyson is meticulous and a perfectionist to a fault so if she turns something in most of the time it has been read too many times, edited too many times, and overthought. A personality trait that is good, but can be detrimental and absolutely exhausting. I hate to say it, but she is much better than she was just 2 years ago. I know you have a large class and many students; therefore, you do not have time to give
individual private time with each student because that is not practical in today's education system. However, I ask that if there is any way that you can make sure it is more private, e-mail her or me, or give her more notes on her papers so we can work on improving.

Greyson does plan on taking the English 111 and 112 so we appreciate any efforts to have her more prepared.
However, since this incident Greyson has talked to many other students and I have spoke to some of their parents and it appears many are struggling. I think the Advanced English courses in 9th and 10th grade need to be more rigorous to meet the 11th grade expectations. Apparently, many of them have missed some key lessons, including Greyson. As I stated previously, we had no issues in 9th or 10th
grade.

At this time, I am willing to see if she will be able to apply the information you gave her. I ask that you share with her where she is weak so we can attempt to get her confidence and grade improved. If there is anything you see that I can do or help her at home, please let me know. SOL's are always very stressful for her and I want her going in feeling prepared and more confident and if that means somehow finding more time at home to work on things then we will do it.

Thank you,