I send 'happy mail' home when students have done well. This type of positive feedback is important because I want students to know that their hard work and effort is noticed and appreciated. Happy mail can be used for academics (they did well in math small group or showed growth on their iReady diagnostic) or behavior (they helped a classmate or calmed down after an emotional moment). A verbal compliment is great, but having something tangible to show their family or hang on their fridge when they go home is even better. My students light up when I give them happy mail — it’s such an easy and effective way to let them know I see them!

—Krysten Baitz, 4th-grade teacher, PS 47 in the Bronx
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