For strong Math students, it's kind of smart to finish PreCalculus 10 when you are in grade 9. Then you can do PreCalculus 11 in grade 10, PreCalculus 12 in grade 11, and Calculus 12 in grade 12. One Math class in grade 12 is a lot easier than two, after all.
Well, this was the path that Fernanda took (I believe that she took Summer School after grade 9 to get ahead) and I'd say it was a good move for her. The BAD part of it, however, is that it meant she wasn't in MY Math class the last two years. This is NOT good. Having Fernanda in my class is definitely my preference.
Happily, Fernanda is back in my classroom this year... she's one of my Peer Tutors (you lucky grade 9's!). So thankful to get to spend time with you again (every second day), Fernanda.
Fernanda may be a small body but she is a BIG personality. She is clever, she is funny, she is charming, she is inquisitive, she is oh-so-very kind. One of my favourite traits of Fernanda, however: she is one POWERFUL young woman (the world needs more of those). She doesn't take crap from anybody. She stands up for herself. She speaks her mind. She is confident and poised. I love it!
Fernanda, I know you often spoke longingly of your home in South America. I'll be honest: I feared you would leave our school before reaching grade 12. I am so happy that you have remained at KG all these years and I am truly thankful to have gotten to know you over that time. May you never lose your "spark"... it's hard to define what I'm talking about, but it's very rare and very special. Love you, F.R.!!