Ontario Subject Report Card Openers and Closers, Grades 1-8

The opening sentence gives families an overall picture of the student's learning in the subject before the strengths, and the closing sentence ends the box with encouragement or a look ahead. Keep both brief so most of the space goes to evidence and next steps.

Here are 12 samples from the 152 openers and closers in the full pack: one of each for every overall level, then one pair written for each report period.

Student name Pronouns

Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.

For any report period

Overall picture: Level 4 (A, 80-100%) A

Opener

[Name] asks insightful questions that move our class discussions forward and help classmates see ideas in new ways.

Closer

I am grateful for your partnership and look forward to [Name]'s continued growth in [Subject].

Overall picture: Level 3 (B, 70-79%) B

Opener

[Name] brings considerable understanding to our work in [Subject], especially when a task allows [him/her/them] to explain ideas in [his/her/their] own words.

Closer

With a little more independence, [Name] will be ready to take on more challenging tasks in [Subject].

Overall picture: Level 2 (C, 60-69%) C

Opener

[Name] is developing the vocabulary of our units and uses some key terms correctly when speaking and writing.

Closer

Your support at home makes a difference, and I appreciate your partnership in [Name]'s learning.

Overall picture: Level 1 (D, 50-59%) D

Opener

[Name] has limited success applying new skills alone but can complete each part of a task when a worked example is close at hand.

Closer

Small, regular practice with direct support will help [Name] build understanding in [Subject] over time.

For a specific report period

Term 1 report card (January/February)

Opener

This term, [Name] has taken [his/her/their] thinking in [Subject] beyond what each task asked, offering insightful questions and examples.

Closer

Thank you for your support at home this term; it makes a clear difference in [Name]'s learning.

June report card

Opener

Compared with September, [Name] now works more accurately and checks [his/her/their] work carefully before sharing it.

Closer

I appreciate your partnership this year and wish [Name] a restful and happy summer.

Tips for openers and closers

Openers that fit any report period also suit the fall progress report. Keep them general, describing how the student approaches learning in the subject, since evidence from the first weeks is still limited.
On the Term 1 report card in January or February, the opener can describe progress since September, and the closer can name one focus for the rest of the year.
On the June report card, open by summing up the year's growth and close with a look ahead to the summer or the next grade. For a student at Level 1, close on a specific strength.

Comments by skill

How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.