I am fortunate to say I have a lot of great students and it is tough trying to pic one. That being said, my student of the month has not only had a great month, but a great year. Kate D. from Period 1 is the model student. It's not only that she gets incredible grades but her determination and work ethic to achieve those grades is almost unmatched. Many students who are as intelligent as Kate would probably use that as an excuse to NOT study. Yet in Kate's case she doesn't rest on intelligence alone. She is actively engaged in class discussion, and maintains a positive attitude and focus; she also regularly attends after school study sessions. That says to me that it is not only important to her that she "knows it", but that she "understands it"... I wish more kids were like that... I wish more adults were like that. Congrats Kate... and thank you for modeling how work ethic and aptitude go so well together.

Albeit we are almost through with March, I want to recognize a student someone as our Student of the Month for February, my first Biology Student of the Month. Stephanie S. from Period 4 demonstrates every single characteristic that would make anyone a student of the month. She perfectly balances a strong work ethic, a curiosity to learn, a sense of responsibility, and more than anything else, a level of maturity that far exceeds her peers. Even when the class is becoming restless, Stephanie is the one constant in the room, tuning out any distraction, and listening to every detail I have to say. Nothing gets by her... she absorbs it like a sponge. Not only a good listener, she processes and analyzes the content with a complexity seen amongst few of her age as can be seen in the questions and comments she provides to class discussion. As well, she is a regular at after-school help sessions even though I am almost convinced she doesn't even need the extra help. Congrats Stephanie... my first Biology Student of the Month... and deservingly so.

Later this week, I will be announcing my March Biology Student of the Month. even though Stephanie may technically deserve it, she is exempt.

Sometimes as teachers, myself included, we make a bigger deal about what students are doing wrong and forget to recognize when students do something right. That being said, I am going to begin recognizing one Biology student that exemplifies the qualities of a good student. I hope that in some what, we can use each student as an example of what it takes to succeed. The recognition will not be grade based either... I have students who try to do everything right and do not earn A's. The recognition will be based on so many qualities that make a good student not only a good student, but the kind of person that shows the habits it takes to succeed at anything they wish to. I can't quite identify every factor that a goos student has, but to name a few, one has to consider: effort, organization, attitude, strong study habits, responsibility, self-confidence, inquisitiveness, time management, work completion, quality of work, respect, and maturity, to name a few. Again, I have so many incredible students... I hope I can recognize those that are truly doing the right thing. And now for an over-the-top, somewhat appropriate, stock photo: