Call it a Win!

I did not choose to become a middle school counselor because of the tangible and immediate rewards.  In that regard, being a school counselor is a lot like being a parent!  But every once in awhile, I get to witness the proverbial light bulb going off for a student.  (On a separate note, why does the light bulb go off when something finally clicks?)

"idea" by Terry Freedman is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The electronic student records program we use at my school provides for students to access their grades in each class on demand, at the assignment level.  Students can see if they are missing assignments, as well as check their grades on recent tests and quizzes.  I receive a few emails from students requesting these credentials (randomly generated by the records program itself) every week, so they can view and follow their progress.  

Today, a sixth grader whom I will call Johnny sent me this email, reproduced here in its entirety:

"I need to know my username and password get back to me as soon as possible

from johnny"

As you are likely well aware, sixth graders are not known for their impeccable grammar, nor their politeness.  I can easily overlook the lack of capital letters and forgive the absence of a salutation in these email requests, but Johnny's email had the tone of a demand--or at the very least, that of placing an order at the drive-thru.  And I just couldn't let it go.

Culver's Drive-Thru Restaurant Menu" by Tony Webster is licensed under CC BY 2.0

So I sent him this reply:

"Dear Johnny:

"I just received your email.  Will you please write me again and send your request using proper email etiquette?  We (teachers) like to use email correspondence as an opportunity to help our students develop the skill of effective electronic communication.  This skill will help you tremendously as you move through your school career, apply to colleges, and enter the world of work.  

"Upon receiving your courteous request for assistance, I will be happy to help!

"Mrs. L"

I wasn't asking the impossible.  At the beginning of the school year, our oh-so-amazing school librarian, as part of her orientation to the library for sixth graders, includes a presentation on email etiquette.  This meant that, at the very least, Johnny should recognize the expression.

"Streamail" by Raphael Nieto is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 

I decided to forward Johnny's email and my response on to his English teacher:

"Just wanted to share.  I just couldn't let this one go, since he was basically making a demand rather than a request.  Hope that was okay!"

Johnny was at that moment sitting in her class, and she replied almost immediately: 

"Oh dear!  I will see if he reads your reply before the end of class.  Hopefully, he will change his tune."

But then, the miracle!  A mere two minutes later, she sent this email update to me--and to our librarian:

"OH MY!  Education in action.  Literally, after Lisa replied to the student, he pulled out the Email Etiquette lesson form from the library powerpoint we did awhile ago.  I think he is getting ready to resend his request using the proper etiquette, or at least, he is trying to." 

I thought that was AWESOME!!!!  

A few moments later, this new and improved email popped up in my inbox:

 

"dear mrs l

"may you please email me my username and password for powerschool student portal.  

"thank you and have a wonderful rest of your day.

"sincerely

"johnny"

And I call that a WIN!

"ok emoticon" by totofffff is licensed under CC PDM 1.0