This spooky season, remember: when the scary grades come knocking, it might already be too late.

Avoid the fright by staying ahead—check those grades, celebrate the wins, and keep your student’s learning journey on track.

In the spirit of Halloween, we’re talking about something that can be just as spooky as a haunted house—grades! Because if you’re not looking often enough, they can jump out and surprise both you and your student.

Here’s the good news: you can take the “boo!” out of report cards. Most schools now use systems like PowerSchool, Skyward, or Infinite Campus that let parents and guardians check grades, assignments, and teacher feedback in real time. You can even log into their Google Classrooms right from your phone, making it easier than ever to stay in the loop. No excuses—staying informed has never been easier. The moment your student nails that A—you know it. The moment something’s missing—you’re on it.

Checking grades isn’t about being nosy; it’s about staying involved. Students thrive when they know someone’s watching and cheering them on. A few quick check-ins each week can make all the difference—keeping motivation high and surprises low.

That’s the heart of the N.O. T.E.A.R.S. Series: New Opportunities to Teach, Engage, and Reach Students. It’s about catching concerns early, building connection, and turning small steps into big progress.

So before those scary grades come knocking, log in, look over those scores, and stay one step ahead. The treat? A confident, prepared student who knows you’ve got their back.

And stay tuned for the next post in our N.O. T.E.A.R.S. Series, where we’ll keep exploring ways to support students—no tricks, all treats.