Hunter and I had a rather extensive discussion about his class performance, his grades, and related issues. I told Hunter that he is a smart young man, with a great deal of potential; that, because of his life experiences, he is in some ways more mature than most 14-year-old boys; and that I had told Judie that I think he is smart. Hunter appeared most receptive to, and appreciative of, my remarks. He asked if today's test on India would count toward his grade in the grading period ending today (i.e., the current period). I told him no, it would count toward the next grading period, because I will not have the test graded until Monday, 3/17. We discussed that he currently has earned a grade in the low 80s on a 100-point scale, but that he could and should try to raise it before the final grade is entered at the end of the term. My impression is that his other teachers at JBP may be giving him higher grades, though of course I do not really know. I told him that if he wanted higher grades in my class, he would have to earn them--just as he would have to earn accolades in athletics if he wanted them to come his way. I stressed to Hunter that he has the ability to perform academically at a higher level--he has the brains--but he has to put forth more effort if he wants to obtain better results. His concern over grades seems to be related to "prizes" (his word) he wins for As in school. Today was the first time I am aware that he did not possess a cell phone and thus did not send or receive texts throughout class. This clearly reduced distractions. Hunter also asked me some questions about India before I gave him the test. I was pleased to answer his questions, which bore directly on the material on which he was about to be tested. Then I administered the test. In the remaining time, we began consideration of ancient China, focusing on its natural geographic barriers.