Momma Bear

Last week my son recieved another conduct grade of satisfactory instead of excellent.  For most people that would be wonderful, but for me it wasn't. I had to process this all week long to determine what it is about the 'S' that set my hackles up and brought out momma bear.   After hours of thinking, talking and rehashing the problem it boiled down to was that I don't think that my son is simply satsisfactory.  The teacher explained to me that being given an 'S' means he is doing exactly what is required of him.  But I know Paul and he is an exemplary citizen.  He doesn't sit still well but he can tell when someone is hurting both physically and emotionally.  He is always the first to offer sympathy and love.  He picks up trash and requests that we do all sorts of things in a green way to save the environment.  He is an excellent citizen especially when you realize he is only 5. He replies with yes ma'am and no sir.  He is an excellent citizen! So how dare a teacher who wants a group of cookie cutter, silent, still children tell me he is not an excellent citizen. Is being a responsible and contributing citizen about being silent, sitting still and acting just like everyone else?  I would say no.  Benjamin Franklin wasn't a cookie cutter child, Albert Einstein wasn't the same as everyone else.  Abe Lincoln, George Washington Carver, and so many others were not quiet, cookie cutter children or adults.  So how dare you tell my child that his desire to dance when he finishes his assignment is unacceptable.  That his desire to help his friends or hop instead of walk makes him less rewardable than his peers.  He is what my company wants.  He is innovation. He is creativity.  He is a free thinker who cannot be boxed.  So watch out public education...this momma bear won't let you twist my child into what everyone else is.  I won't let you make him a sheep who follows along without thinking.  I won't let you steal my precious bear cub.  Let him be.  Teach him, nurture him and help him grow or expect the wrath of this momma bear!