What’s Right With Our Schools: Dublin principal hand writes notes on more than 600 report cards

This quarter, and each quarter to follow, he writes personalized notes with encouraging messages on more than 600 students’ report cards.

Students say it makes a difference when their principal encourages them each step of the way.

“He takes every morning and tells us that he loves us,” sophomore Davon Peacock adds, “and then he speaks to everyone in the morning in the hallways.”

A message the first-year principal believes his kids need to hear if they plan on succeeding in classrooms and in life.

“A big piece of the puzzle that I think we miss out on a lot if relationships,” says Kellogg.

That is changing.

Teachers gave the report cards to Kellogg earlier, so he would be able to write messages, one-by-one, handwritten and honest.

He reads a report card he wrote on.

“Ms. Sampson, you are too smart to have these type of grades. Get focused. Doctor Kellogg.”

For others doing well, “…it was just as simple as great job.”

Student Mason Spitzniller says she is grateful for Kellogg’s message.

“It’s very rare that you find a principal that takes time out of his day to write personal letters.”

Others agree, like senior Kristin Wheson.

“That was a really nice touch to our report cards. I wasn’t really expecting it.” 

“He’s very supportive, and he’s the only principal I’ve known to do something like that,” says sophomore Jenee’ Coney.

Classmate Hannah Allison adds, “It let me know that he actually has an interest in his students.”

An interest in breaking barriers.

“I want to take the excuse away that nobody cares,” says Kellogg. 

The two-day process taught Kellogg something new about his students.

“Ninth grade class seems like it got off to a great start…Our kids are truly concerned about their education.”

A habit he hopes will continue.

“They’ll run through a wall for me, because they know that I’m going to be there for them.”

With more time and attention to detail, Kellogg believes these students will achieve their educational goals.

Allison says, “It made me want to work harder, so maybe I get something even better the next 9 weeks.”

Kellogg’s encouraging words never go unnoticed.

“Model what you expect.”

Kellogg believes every principal can write letters and critique students’ grade. He says it helps to build a relationship with students leaders may not be able to speak with on a daily basis.