Parent Teacher Conferences are Nov 21 & 22

Follow these top tips to make the most of your time with your child's teacher

The first parent-teacher conference of the 2016-17 school year is just around the corner, This is the perfect opportunity to check on your student’s progress and to take stock of what they need to be successful in school this year. It’s also a good time for teachers to get a better idea of what life is like for your child outside the classroom, so they can develop a strong student-teacher bond that ensures your child is well-supported at school.

To achieve these goals, we recommend you follow five tips for a successful parent-teacher conference:

1. Bring your child’s 2015/16 PARCC score report. Use the report as a guide to help the teacher tell you about your child’s strengths and weaknesses in the core subjects like reading and math. Make sure to ask for ideas of things you can do at home to help your children practice the skills that don’t come as easily to them. 

2. Ask about the school’s goals. This year every school in the District is setting clear goals to better serve their students – whether it be improved attendance, reduced suspensions, or improved reading and math achievement. Know your school’s goals and partner with your child’s teacher to help the school achieve them.

3. Have an open mind. It is easy to be defensive about your child. But the sooner we as parents recognize both our child’s talents and areas for growth, the better equipped we are to prepare them for success as adults. Be open with your child’s teacher, and try hard to have a constructive dialogue that results in a clear “to-do list” for both you and the teacher.

4. Remember to ask how you can bring learning to life at home. Children’s minds are like sponges, and the more we engage their brains at home and at school, the better equipped they become to succeed in the next grade level, college, or career.

5. Introduce yourself to the school’s Family & Operations Coordinator. This is your point person at your child’s school. They organize monthly parent programs, and serve as a parent’s first point of contact should you have questions, concerns, or require a meeting with the principal or other member of the school staff.

As we look ahead to parent-teacher conferences on November 21 and 22, I hope all of you use the opportunity to communicate with your child’s school and build a positive relationship with his/her teachers. Remember, we are all working toward the same goal: a successful year of learning and growing for your child.