what notes may come

In his first sixth months of pre-school, Mark returned home every one of those days with one or more of the following:

• odd-shaped contruction paper-based items posing as art
• things laminated, accessorized with ready-to-mount-on-fridge magnets
• leaves, pine cones, rocks, pebbles

But only twice have hand-written note by his teacher made the journey from school to home. They've included, in highlight fashion:

• anecdotal retelling of negative behaviors evinced by Mark
• recounting of steps used by the teacher to allay behaviors
• request for parental assistance in curbing the behaviors

I don't condone the behaviors identified; the lack of sharing or the tantrum that rendered him inconsolable for over an hour.

But just six months into his school career, and already, the pattern of recognition has been established.

It's just so disappointing.