The first thing I think of when I think of Franco is that GIANT smile of his. It's the sort of smile that - no matter what your current mood - forces you to lighten up and grin yourself. It's THAT infectious. Thanks for all the reminders to lighten up over the years Franco!
I taught Franco in grade 8, 9, and 10. He was one of those students who was always... uh... reluctant to do much homework. But he was always bright enough to get through the course anyway. Then we started PreCalculus 11. This is, as most of you would attest, a tough course. And Franco was starting the course the same was as those previous... very little homework getting done.
After a couple of weeks of this, I had a stern talk with Franco: "If you are unwilling to work in this class, you should not waste your time here... you should just drop. You will not pass otherwise". It's the sort of thing a teacher says from time to time in order to "scare" a student in to exerting more effort in class.
But not Franco. He promptly dropped the class altogether and switched to on-line! I had nobody to blame but myself. I gave him an ultimatum and he made the choice that was best for him (in his opinion). I have to admit: I kind of admired him for dropping. He didn't like the choice I gave him so he took immediate and decisive action. And it was a good lesson for me: be careful what you say to students. Don't try to "bluff" them into working harder. Be completely honest with them at all times.
Congratulations on passing PreCalculus 11 and for doing it YOUR way Franco. I'm glad you decided to give me another chance for PreCalculus 12. And - as you've likely noticed - this year I decided that you are old enough to decide for yourself how much work you want to put into the course (though I ENCOURAGE you to always do your very best).
Good luck Franco!