On behalf of our faculty, I invite you to attend our Parent Teacher Conferences on Monday, March 9. School will not be session allowing you to meet with your child’s teacher during the day. Attending Parent-Teacher Conferences is an important part of assuring your child that their education is important to you. At least one parent, although it’s even better if both parents can attend.
Parent Teacher Conference is not just a time to listen to what the teacher has to tell you about your child; it is your chance to clearly communicate your ideas, concerns, problems, suggestions, praises and thoughts. Your conference should not be full of surprise information. You should have a clear picture of your child’s progress from helping with their homework and looking over returned work and tests.
Below are a few recommendations you can do to help create a beneficial conference for both you and your child’s teacher. Please keep in mind that each conference is for only ten minutes.
- Talk with your child before about any concerns or questions. Ask what they would like you to talk about and what they think the teacher will say.
- Think about questions you would like to ask and write them down. Some suggestions might be grade level curriculum, homework expectations, work habits, social skills, attendance, and home support.
- Keep an open mind – remember both you and the teacher want your child to succeed.
- After the conference talk with your child about what was discussed. Emphasize the positive and discuss a plan to make needed changes.
Teachers spend six to seven hours a day, week in and week out, with your child and may see things from a different perspective. However, no one knows your child as well as you. If there are events or situations happening at home that will affect your child’s academic performance, please share those with their teacher. This information will be kept confidential. In addition, you may want to inform the teacher about: school activities your child talks about at home—likes and dislikes, your child’s responsibilities at home, classmates your child sees or talks to regularly, how you discipline your child, and your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Parent-Teacher Conferences is only one opportunity to discuss any challenges as well as successes your child may be experiencing in class. It is a time for parents and teachers to plan and work together, so your child will gain the most out of their education. At the conclusion of the conference an understanding should be determined on how to keep each other informed. The main goal of the conference is to develop a plan together to help your child be successful.