Standards-Based Report Card Openers and Closers, K-5

The opening sentence gives a brief overall picture of the child's academic learning across subjects before the subject comments, and the closing sentence ends on a warm, forward-looking note. Both should match the report period and stay encouraging at every mark.

Here are 15 samples from the 224 openers and closers in the full pack: one of each for every overall level, then an opener (and for most, a closer) 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: Exceeds the standard E

Opener

Across all subjects, [Name] makes thoughtful connections, such as linking a science idea to a book we read together.

Closer

Thank you for being such a supportive partner in your child's learning.

Overall picture: Meets the standard M

Opener

Each day, it is good to see [Name] take part in lessons and apply new learning in every subject.

Closer

With continued practice, [Name] will keep adding new skills in every subject.

Overall picture: Approaching the standard A

Opener

In reading, writing and math, [Name] is building skills with reminders, practice and a teacher nearby to check in.

Closer

I appreciate your support and look forward to more growth together.

Overall picture: Beginning B

Opener

Each subject offers new chances for [Name] to grow, and close support is helping [him/her/them] take the next step.

Closer

I value our partnership and look forward to celebrating more of your child's progress.

For a specific report period

Q1 / first trimester (fall)

Opener

This fall, [Name] has shown a love of learning in every subject, often connecting an idea from a read-aloud to something in math or science.

Closer

Please reach out any time with questions, and thank you for helping your child make a good start to the year.

Q2 / mid-year (winter)

Opener

Since the fall, [Name] has grown as a reader, writer and math thinker and generally completes new tasks with care.

Closer

A few minutes of reading together each evening will make a difference in the months to come.

Q3 / second trimester (spring)

Opener

Since winter break, [Name] has grown in several subjects and is working on applying skills more independently.

Closer

Short, regular practice at home this spring will help [Name] build on [his/her/their] progress.

End of year (Q4 / final)

Opener

Looking back on the year, [Name] has grown with adult support and is starting to use new reading and math strategies.

Tips for openers and closers

On the first report card in the fall, open with how the child has started the year's learning and close with one goal for the months ahead. Where skills are end-of-year goals, early progress is the point.
At mid-year, open with growth since the fall in one named subject and close with a focus for after winter break. In spring, look toward the final months; trimester schools can use that wording for their second report.
At the end of the year, open with a summary of the whole year and close with summer wishes and readiness for the next grade. Keep closers warm and specific even when support will continue.

Comments by skill

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