I look forward to more of Joe Di Salvo's education columns ("Report cards are overrated as an indicator of progress, Nov. 23"). Di Salvo's discussion on report cards had apt insights, but a few points did not ring true with me.

Report cards (and A-F grades) are not "archaic" because they are not precise, take the teacher time to develop, or lack specific feedback functions. The report card has a place for specific feedback that is only one part of the parent-teacher-student communication process, and has served my children and me well.

Teachers, parents, and principals should be comfortable with Fs for students who do not participate or complete any assignments yet ace their tests and quizzes.

In the nonacademic world, we expect people to meet deadlines and complete assignments, even if they find it routine. Society does not hold in high esteem the lazy genius who lets others down because proving knowledge is inconvenient. We call them a mind wasted, not ones deserving of an A.

An F for such a student sends the right feedback; it says attitude and effort should change. Knowledge should be proven and applied for it to be truly useful.

If a child is underchallenged in a school setting, the parents and educators should question the appropriateness of the curriculum and seek alternatives. We should not throw out report cards because of the exceptional cases.

James Allen

Sunnyvale

Holiday lights harmed
the big willow tree

I live in the home commonly called The Willow House, on Willow Street just off Meridian Avenue.

I bought the home over two years ago and began renovation on it right away. Since I have owned the home I have had dozens of people ask if I am going to put the lights in the huge willow tree in my front yard like the previous owned had done for more than 30 years.

When I bought the home the willow tree looked bad, so I had an arborist come out. He injected the tree with fertilizer and gave me some strict instructions on its care. One of the instructions was to quit putting lights all over the tree each year because the heat and the electricity were harming the tree.

So last year and this year we have put Christmas lighting all over the house and yard and it truly looks beautiful. But we still get asked everyday by someone, "Why don't you light the tree?"

I am hoping the people of Willow Glen will understand our situation after they read this letter.

Rob Zolezzi

Willow Street