Elementary Report Card Opening and Closing Comments, K-5
The opening sentence gives an overall picture of how the student is doing with work habits and SEL skills, and the closing sentence ends the comment on a warm, forward-looking note. Both should feel personal and match the time of year.
Here are 14 samples from the 196 openers and closers in the full pack: one of each for every overall level, then one pair written for each report period.
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
For any report period
Overall picture: Exceeds expectations E
Opener
- Classmates look up to [Name], who models respect, focus and responsible choices across the school day.
Closer
- I am proud of all that [Name] has accomplished and excited for what comes next.
Overall picture: Meets expectations M
Opener
- [Name] has many good work habits in place and continues to grow in independence.
Closer
- Having [Name] in our classroom community is a pleasure.
Overall picture: Approaching expectations A
Opener
- Making friends comes easily to [Name], who is learning to balance social time with work time.
Closer
- Asking [Name] to share one good choice from each school day can help reinforce these habits at home.
Overall picture: Not yet meeting expectations N
Opener
- With frequent reminders and encouragement, [Name] is working toward following directions and finishing tasks.
Closer
- It is a pleasure to see [Name] try new strategies with such a willing spirit.
For a specific report period
First report card (fall)
Opener
- It has been wonderful to watch [Name] jump into the new school year with curiosity, confidence and care for others.
Closer
- With continued effort, [Name] is set up for a very good year.
Mid-year report card (winter)
Opener
- After winter break, [Name] settled back into our routines quickly and continues to make steady progress.
Closer
- I look forward to seeing [Name] grow in confidence and independence in the months ahead.
End-of-year report card (spring)
Opener
- This year, [Name] has made real gains with reminders and support, and these habits are starting to stick.
Closer
- Keeping a simple daily routine over the summer break can help [Name] feel ready for next fall.
Tips for openers and closers
- On the first report card in the fall, open with how the student has settled into the new classroom and its routines. Close by naming one thing you look forward to seeing as the year continues.
- At mid-year, open by naming growth since the fall, even if small, and close with a focus for the second half of the year after winter break, so families can compare against the first report.
- At the end of the year, open with a summary of the whole year and close with wishes for summer break and the next grade. Keep openers and closers warm at every level, including Not yet meeting.
Comments by skill
- Effort and Participation, Grades K-2
- Effort and Participation, Grades 3-5
- Organization and Work Completion, Grades K-2
- Organization and Work Completion, Grades 3-5
- Focus and Independence, Grades K-2
- Focus and Independence, Grades 3-5
- Self-Management, Grades K-2
- Self-Management, Grades 3-5
- Relationship Skills, Grades K-2
- Relationship Skills, Grades 3-5
- Respect and Responsible Decisions, Grades K-2
- Respect and Responsible Decisions, Grades 3-5
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.