Middle and High School Report Card Openers and Closers, 6-12
The opening sentence gives an overall picture of the student's work habits in your class or advisory, and the closing sentence ends the comment on a respectful, forward-looking note, often with an invitation to email or schedule a conference.
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: Outstanding O
Opener
- [Name] takes full ownership of [his/her/their] learning and reliably meets every deadline with care.
Closer
- [He/She/They] will continue to do well with this level of focus and ownership.
Overall picture: Satisfactory S
Opener
- With few reminders, [Name] settles into work quickly and stays on task.
Closer
- Small steps such as a weekly gradebook check will help [Name] keep moving forward.
Overall picture: Needs improvement N
Opener
- [Name] is developing the organization needed to keep notes, materials and deadlines in order.
Closer
- Encouraging [Name] to ask questions in class would help a great deal.
Overall picture: Unsatisfactory U
Opener
- I appreciate the moments when [Name] engages in discussion, and we are working to make them more frequent.
Closer
- Every step forward matters, and I will celebrate each one with [Name].
For a specific report period
Fall progress report / first quarter
Opener
- In these first weeks of the quarter, [Name] has shown work habits that classmates look up to.
Closer
- It is a pleasure to have [Name] in class, and I am glad to see [him/her/them] settling in so well.
Mid-year / semester 1 report card
Opener
- At the midpoint of the year, [Name] shows solid work habits, with a few areas to sharpen in the second semester.
Closer
- I hope winter break offers some rest, and that [Name] returns ready to set a few clear goals.
Final report card (end of year)
Opener
- Across the school year, [Name] has worked on meeting deadlines, with reminders helping along the way.
Closer
- Thank you for working with me this year; I believe [Name] has the potential to grow.
Tips for openers and closers
- On the fall progress report or first quarter report, open with how the student has started the year, including any adjustment to middle or high school, and close by naming one habit to build before the quarter ends.
- At mid-year or the end of semester 1, open with the change you have seen since the fall and close with a focus for the second semester. Families can then compare the two reports directly.
- On the final report card, sum up the year and close with good wishes for summer break and next year; for seniors, refer to the next step after graduation instead. Keep the tone warm at every level.
Comments by skill
- Engagement and Effort, Grades 6-8
- Engagement and Effort, Grades 9-12
- Work Completion and Time Management, Grades 6-8
- Work Completion and Time Management, Grades 9-12
- Organization and Preparation, Grades 6-8
- Organization and Preparation, Grades 9-12
- Responsibility and Self-Advocacy, Grades 6-8
- Responsibility and Self-Advocacy, Grades 9-12
- Self-Management and Growth Mindset, Grades 6-8
- Self-Management and Growth Mindset, Grades 9-12
- Collaboration and Respect, Grades 6-8
- Collaboration and Respect, Grades 9-12
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.