I have an award that I have to give out at the end of the year and I am having trouble picking between two girls. I feel like my emotional side is getting the better of me so I need help from those who do not know the situation. The award is basically for those that do not get Student of the Month all year but still might deserve recognition. Girl #1: Nice to everyone and stays out of all the drama that 5th grade girls can have. She is kind of the glue that holds her friends together. Can be kind of a ditz (her mother's words) but her mother makes sure she does all her homework and is kept very organized. Has never be mean and has never had a missing assignment. Has gotten Student of the Month in other years. Girl #2: Has gone from someone who refused to work in groups because she hated everyone to wanting to work with others. Still a loner but for the most part is nice to other students. Does not do all her work and her grades are low because of it. Parents hit her (yes it has been reported, no nothing was done) and she has no support at home. Has finally opened up about all of this after years of hiding it. Who would you pick? It is so hard to be objective with this
Is it an award you personally are giving out, or a school-sponsored award? If it is your personal award, I would make them co-winners. Sometimes, just a simple act of kindness can spur a child on... If it is a school-sponsored award, give it to Girl #2. You already stated it is for those who deserve recognition, and this girl deserves some positive recognition!
Girl #1, for sure. Girl #2 needs something--and someone--but an award she doesn't seem to deserve isn't that something. Are you willing to spend some extra time with this girl, maybe even after school dismisses? If you are concerned about her, and I would be, I would consider this over the award. ETA: I like Alice's idea of a special letter, especially considering that I understand it may not be accepted in all districts to spend time with students the way I described. I had a girl like this and I bought her a lovely journal and wrote a special note on the inside. She teared up, as did I.
I agree JustMe. #1 fits the criteria. #2 deserves a special letter from you, praisng her accomplishments, and wishing her well... something she can hold on to and treasure.
Oh, I feel so bad for Girl 2. I agree that Girl 1 deserves it, but please lend some special attention for Girl 2. She desperately needs to be recognized.
If you can't give an award to BOTH, I'm leaning more towards girl #2. Some people just NEED it a little more than others. Girl #1 is probably used to getting awards & yes, she's probably done well all her life, but sometimes, the underdog needs it more. Girl #2 may have never gotten any type of recognition in her life...or hardly any & this sounds like something that may motivate her to stay on the right path & succeed in the future. In my book, it's not always about the BEST grades, GPA, etc.
I agree that success in school is not always defined by grades and that academics are not always the top priority, but this award is about being an excellent student. The second girl shouldn't receive an award she doesn't deserve. She deserves attention, and that is what she should get...not an award. I'm extremely compassionate. I want to save the whole darn world. And I try to one student at a time. Ask my husband. Although he honestly doesn't mind, he always groans, "Don't these kids have parents?" when I'm doing that extra something for students. But I'm not a fan of pity awards, tokenism, and things of that nature.
I'm really liking the idea of an encouraging letter to girl #2. Sure getting an award will make her feel better for a little while, but a heart-felt letter full of encouraging words could make a world of difference. A letter would mean much more to her than her name on a certificate. P.S. If you go with the letter, make sure you mail it to her. That in and of itself will make her day!
Yes, gutterballjen, and this girl is in fifth grade...old enough to wonder why the heck did I get this?!
I need more info. What are the guidelines for student of the month? Is it grades, hard work, social skills, just plain improving? I'm learning towards girl number 2. Who knows maybe it will spur her to do even better next year. Why can you only choice one? Talk to your principal and see what he/she thinks.
I can only pick one girl and one boy. Basically it is for the students who are good kids but don't get the best grades but try hard. Student of the month includes grades as a guideline but this doesn't. I am leaning towards girl #1 because she really is the best one. The other girl doesn't try in school. I can see why though. It is just hard because I want so much to give it to girl #2 just to make her feel special. But that would be unfair. I do tell her how proud I am of her but the letter idea is a good one also. I am going to worry about her over the summer.
Girl 1 seems like she earned it. Can you do individual class awards? I sometimes do this, perhaps for helping, art, improved something. I do feel that kids(and other kids) know if they earn and deserve awards.
Good ideas everyone! This is such a wise crowd, I always enjoy reading everyone's input. Put me down as girl #1. Can you buy a certificate of achievement to include with the letter and present it as an in class award--a most improved or a Miss Citizenship or whatever? Give her the letter as well, but I think the certificate will feed her in the moment, but the letter will sustain her until you see her in the fall.
