Save the Date!

  Fall 2012 Parent-Teacher Conferences:

September 27 & 28 for secondary students
November 20 & 21 for elementary students

Ideas for a constructive conference

Parent-teacher conferences are a time for you to find out

1. How your children are getting along with others
2. How they are progressing in school
3. What you can do at home to help them.

At the elementary and middle school levels, teachers schedule conference times with parents.  At the high school level, time with each teacher will be brief.  If more time is needed with a teacher, parents can schedule an individual conference. Here are some ideas for your parent-teacher conferences:

Before the conference

• Decide what you want to ask the teacher and write down your questions.
• Make a list of things that will help your child's teacher understand your child better.  For example, you could write down how your child feels about school, their hobbies, family conflicts, or special health problems.
• Ask your child some questions: What's your favorite subject? What's your least favorite? What do you want me to tell your teacher?
• Be on time. Write down the time of your appointment and arrive promptly. If you can't make the conference as scheduled, call and notify the teacher.

During the conference

• If you have a specific point to discuss or have a complaint, listen to the teacher's perspective before commenting.
• The teacher may have some questions too -- not trying to pry into your personal life, but just trying to understand your child better.  This information can help the teacher work with your child.
• Before you leave, make an action plan. If needed, set up a way to check your child's progress. You and the teacher can decide the best way to stay in touch.
• Please leave on time, so other parents can also meet with the teacher. If you need more time to talk, you can schedule another conference with the teacher.

Questions you might ask the teacher:

• What do you see as my child's strengths?
• What will you cover in this grade or subject this year?
• How are you addressing state and district standards?
• What are your expectations for homework? Has my child missed any of his/her assignments so far?
• How are my child's work habits? Does he/she use his/her time in class well?
• Does my child read at the level you would expect for this grade?
• Is my child able to do the math you would expect for a student in this grade?
• Is my child in different groups for different subjects?
• Has my child missed any classes other than the ones I contacted the school about?
• Is there an anticipated change in my child's participation in a special program? (for example, gifted and talented, English as a second language, or learning disabilities)?
• Does my child get along well with the other students in this class?
• What can I do at home to help my child be more successful at school?

Parents and teachers agree that the key to a good conference is two-way communication.  By staying in touch all school year, parents and teachers give each student better support. You can also help your child's teacher by being prepared to discuss the general area of your child's health, sleep habits, special interests and problems, and reactions to school.  Parents have information that can help schools better work with their children.

We hope your conferences are very productive!