There is no school on Oct. 24 and Oct. 25
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held from noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24 at all of our schools. There will be no school that day or the next, Friday, Oct. 25.
We strongly encourage all parents/guardians and students to participate in these conferences. This is an opportunity to meet with teachers and guidance counselors, review your child’s progress and get valuable guidance to propel academic achievement. The educational process is always a partnership between students, parents/guardians and teachers. Parent Teacher Conferences are a crucial part of that process as we work together to make sure our students are fully prepared to reach and succeed at the next level.
It is particularly important to attend Parent Teacher Conferences this year. Missouri Senate Bill 727 (SB727) was signed into law earlier this year after we had already created our 2024-2025 academic calendar. Among many other provisions, the law provides additional state revenue for districts with at least 169 instructional days, which must be applied toward staff compensation.
Our academic calendar includes 170 student contact days. Considering this new state law, we have decided to use the Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) during snow days. This is the most practical way for us to guarantee that we meet SB727 requirements. Adding instructional days at the end of the school year or adjusting the current calendar is ineffective for student learning and is disruptive to families’ schedules.
Since KSD doesn’t send home devices for our students in grades K-5, we have prepared materials in advance to send home with elementary school families during parent-teacher conferences. This way, teachers and students will be ready in case an AMI day is announced.
Our elementary and secondary school teachers and administrators will be providing additional guidance about our plans for AMI days – if they are needed – during this year’s Parent Teacher Conferences. Please email your teacher or school office if you have any questions.
We appreciate your diligence and support as we strive to meet the needs of each student, every day, no matter what.
Here are three simple steps to maximizing the value of these conferences:
Prepare in Advance
- Before the conference, review your child’s recent schoolwork, assignments, and any feedback or progress reports that have been sent home.
- Make a list of questions or concerns you have about your child’s academic performance, behavior, or any other relevant topics.
- Discuss your child’s goals and aspirations with them, so you can share these aspirations with the teacher and work together to support your child’s growth.
Engage in Open Communication
- During the conference, actively listen to the teacher’s insights and observations about your child’s progress and behavior in school.
- Share your own observations and concerns, but do so in a constructive and respectful manner. Be open to the teacher’s feedback and suggestions.
- Ask specific questions about your child’s strengths, areas for improvement, and strategies for supporting their learning at home.
Set Clear Action Steps
- Work with the teacher to set specific goals and action steps for your child’s education. These goals could include academic targets, behavior improvements, or strategies to enhance learning.
- Establish a plan for regular communication between you and the teacher, whether it’s through emails, phone calls, or additional meetings throughout the school year.
- Follow up on the action steps discussed during the conference and monitor your child’s progress. Stay involved in their education and provide ongoing support.