The Revere Local School District has recently stopped the distribution of paper report cards to students, opting for an online version accessible through a student’s Progress Book page.

Starting this school year, Revere Schools will upload each student’s report card to his or her Progress Book page; students will no longer receive paper report cards as they have in the past.

With hopes of saving paper and clearing up any potential communications issues, Revere High School Principal Phil King explained why the district made the switch.

“It is saving the district a little bit of money but as far as a communications tool, it forces parents to access [Progress Book] because we consider that a very important communication tool,” King said.

King also noted that now with the electronic report cards, parents and students can view all the reports cards from now on as a log, so that they can easily compare current grades with previous ones.

Superintendent Matthew Montgomery elaborated on the advantages of electronic report cards.

“Online report cards make it possible to instantly access grades and attendance records from any location. Beginning next year the report cards will be accessible from prior years. The report card is in a PDF format which is considered reputable and may be sent directly to insurance companies, etc. for good student discounts, etc. The paperless report cards save manpower, paper, postage and processing time and supports the district goal of being as green as possible,” Montgomery said.

Some students feel that “Report Card Days” were a very sentimental time when one receives their report card and thus physical proof of his or her accomplishments, and by discarding this practice, the online report cards are taking away the satisfaction that comes along with receiving a report card. What happened to the days where Mom would hang up the report card on the refrigerator, broadcasting one’s accomplishments to the world — or throw it in the trash depending on the trimester?
 Can improved communications make up for the lack of familiarity that surrounds the electronic report cards?

Some argue that Revere is actually behind as many school districts switched to electronic report cards years ago. King noted that changing to electronic report cards has helped Revere “get in line with the rest of the world.” Many students, however, think that the validation of their hard work in a paper report card better suits Revere. Not only does a paper report card provide one with physical evidence of his or her achievements, but it also gives a certain sense of satisfaction and is symbolic of a job well done.

Revere has replaced the practice of distributing paper reports cards in favor of a more modern approach that improves organization and accessibility issues, but lacks the traditional feelings that come with receiving a report card. Who knows? Maybe students in the future will get the same satisfaction when clicking the tab “View Paper Report Card.”