Passing Grade

Is it just me, or are kids getting too much recognition for everyday tasks? Like going to school. I am certainly proud of my children's accomplishments, but did Allison really need a TrOpY for being in band? I can sorta-kinda understand one the for stage band, because it's an extracurricular activity. But a trophy for completing a required course?! And why does a student deserve a "band trip" (ie, an overnight fun trip that we have to pay well over $200 for) as a reward for just being a student? At school. Where they go to learn and study a vast array of subjects. I work pretty hard, at work, where they pay me. So is my monetary compensation = a mini-vacation a middle-schooler gets for going to school? Somehow I feel I'm being jipped here. I have to spend my "reward" on rent and food and gas and food for hungry mouths. Now, Allison DID accomplish quite a bit this year. Three of her classes she had the highest grade. That's pretty cool. With Amber, our previous expectations for her were B's and C's. But this year, she as obviously matured quite a bit in her learning and study habits, and has proven that she is capable of A's and B's. Of course, the grade can is determined by capability and not just the letter. Ok, the suds from my soapbox is causing too many bubbles, and they taste bad. Can't you go blind from soap poisoning? Bedtime. Go Kings!!!!!! (it's the first game of the Stanley Cup- Kings vs Devils)