Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent teacher conferences are being scheduled for the school days between October 24th to the 30th.  It is important that we reach out to all parents and do our very best to meet with them during the first semester.  It is an expectation that all teachers be present and available to meet with parents to discuss your students academic progress. 

Why 5 days?...being a Title 1 school, we must provide parents with the opportunity to meet and be flexible with their scheduling.  Setting a beginning and end date for conferences is important for us but it also provides options on each day of the week for the parents. 

My expectation for scheduling conferences with parents...if you are a teacher who works best by being told when and where to be, then your conferences will take place on Tuesday, October 29th from 3:30-7:00 PM.  For those who need to spread things out or need to work with a team of teachers, you have a five day span to meet with your parents.  It will be up to you or your team to communicate with your parents when you will be available for conferences.  Please communicate through dojo or your newsletter by the beginning of next week as to your plans.  The schools communication to parents will be this...'Parent-Teacher conferences will take place between October 24-30th.  Please look for grade level communication from your child's homeroom teacher for specific details.'  Please note that if you put out a date or dates and a parent states that they cant make it but can make a time within the five day window, we must do our best to meet with them upon their request. 

Conference sign-in...because we are a Title 1 school we must keep a detailed sign-in of all parents who attend a conference.  This information is used in our state accountability score (Star Rating).  A sign-in sheet will be placed in your mailbox on the 24th.  When you finish with your conferences, please place the sign-in sheet in my office. 

Since we only meet for conferences one time per year, it is important that we share the story of our students achievement with as many parents as possible.  If a child is showing great growth and success we must communicate and celebrate it with their parents.  If a child is struggling we must share the needs and growth areas as well as the celebrations for that child too.  I realize this may be a different expectation than in years past, however it's our responsibility to our students to communicate with their parents/guardians about their needs and successes.  If you have any questions, as always please feel free to ask.