I have taught Jessica for the past three years. She may seem quiet and reserved to you (if you don't know her well) but do not be fooled! Jessica has a great sense of humour! I have had many great laughs thanks to Jessica. The amazing "advice for grade 8's" poster which hangs in my classroom is one such example.
Jessica is a great "teaser". I have seen - and helped - her tease all sorts of people: Subin (or, as we call her, Su..................bin), Sarina, Joey... the list goes on and on. But nobody could ever doubt that Jessica's teasing is done with anything but affection. She is one of the kindest, sweetest students I know!
Jessica works very hard in Math class. Sometimes she finds the math (somewhat) easy and sometimes she finds it (very) hard. But her effort level never wavers. She demonstrates great persistence and determination. Sometimes I think of discontinuing retests, but Jessica is the sort of student who uses them perfectly! She does not rely on them. She does not write one every chapter. But if she does choose to write one, she prepares well (learns from her mistakes) and completely aces it!! Way to go Jessica!
When Jessica came to King George she did not speak a lot of English. I know a lot of students at our school are like this... they arrive knowing very little of the language. I am always so impressed with the courage they demonstrate in trying to understand, to improve, to fit in. And I totally feel this way about Jessica. I have seen her improve so much over the past three years. It's been amazing to watch. Well done, Jessica. I'm very proud of you!!
One of my favourite memories of Jessica involved the daily puzzles. I think it was in grade 10. At the time, Jessica didn't speak in class very much. She was very quiet and reserved. Anyway, we were doing the puzzles (I know they are totally unfair for ELL students and I apologize) and the usual suspects were YELLING out potential answers. I was glancing around the room, listening for the right answer, when I saw Jessica murmur something. "What was that?" I prompted. She looked unsure and a little embarrassed but she repeated herself (I wish I could remember the answer) and SHE WAS RIGHT!! I was so excited! I remember I immediately promised her candy regardless of the spin. I don't think she actually understood everything I was saying (I was talking pretty fast in my enthusiasm) but she had a satisfied smile on her face and it was very cute.
Thanks for always being so polite and warm-hearted Jessica. I feel so lucky to have taught you the past three years, and to have witnessed you getting more comfortable, confident, and outspoken during that time. It is no wonder that you are so well-liked by so many people at our school. You are a wonderful person and I will truly miss you next year! Best of luck, Jessica!