GREENSBORO, N.C. — It's time for 'My 2 Cents.'
I came across a post on social media this week - it said, "Can we replace the perfect attendance award with kind kids awards already? Coming to school when you're sick or need a mental break doesn't deserve applause. Including others, sharing a lunch with someone hungry, and not bullying others absolutely deserves recognition."
So of course this caught my attention - I almost shouted, "YES! YES! YES!" at the top of my lungs at my screen.
Maybe I'm just bitter because I never got a perfect attendance award but it made me think about what we are teaching our kids. What are showing them is important? What are we placing emphasis on? Showing up and pushing through - those aren't bad traits but they aren't as important, to me, as being kind, self-aware and a good friend to everyone.
There has long been a debate over giving perfect attendance awards - supporters say they promote being present and engaged in your education, opponents say they hurt public health by encouraging kids to come to class even when they're sick, contagious or not at their best.
And to be honest, I truly don't mind schools rewarding kids who show up regularly and work hard - it's a lesson that will take them far. But kids who go out of their way to make others feel included each time they're at school or who may miss a class but never miss an opportunity to be a kind -- those are lessons that will take kids further.