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Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences

By Halley, Heath on October 11, 2018

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As I write this letter it is finally Fall and 37 degrees this morning. The leaves on the trees are a wonderful spectrum of beautiful colors. It is absolutely my favorite time of year.

It is hard to believe, though, we are nearly through the first quarter of school. Which means parent-teacher conferences will be occurring on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. There were some slight adjustments to the school calendar this year and one of those changes is to parent-teacher conference week. Conferences will be held on Wednesday, October 17, instead of the usual Thursday.

On Thursday, October 18, our teachers will be receiving professional development in First Aid for Mental Health. On Friday, October 19 there will be no school. Classes will resume on Monday, October 22. It is our hope that by condensing those days into one week instead of two that it will be beneficial to us academically, as we don’t have disruptions in multiple weeks. We also feel like it should make a nice weekend for families.

Parent-teacher conferences: Why do we have them? Why are they important? Should I attend? Those are questions I hope to answer. The parent-teacher relationship can be significant in determining the child’s success as they progress annually and throughout their educational careers.

Here are some suggestions for positive parent-teacher conferences:

Schedule a time and be there on time.

Have your questions or concerns written down. Here are some possible questions to help with your conference:

1. Is my child meeting grade level expectations?

2. What do you see as academic strengths and challenges?

3. How are we developing their strengths?

4. How are we addressing the challenges?

Develop a team approach with the teacher.

Take notes during the meeting.

Collaboratively develop a plan that helps meet the needs of your child. This allows for you to ensure maximum time with your child’s teacher and also guarantees that you get your questions answered.

When my children began their school careers I thought I would be ‘Super Dad’, be involved, engaged and would always ask upon seeing my children “How was your day?” I can tell you I had to learn to expand my question habits and techniques, as it became apparent after about the 3rd day of kindergarten that the standard answer to my first question was ALWAYS… “Fine”. So, I progressed to “What did you learn today?” That turned into and I quote “Nuthun”. So, today I ask these questions every day: “Do you have homework? How was practice? Are we ready for tomorrow? Do you need anything from me?" I can tell you being an involved and active parent in your child’s life can be exhausting! But, I can tell you what my father says… “It is not a fight you can lose!” It is imperative that your child knows you care and are involved, even though they act as if they don’t want either.

In hopes of assisting you, Putnam County R-I offers these technologies to help keep you more informed. They are the “Parent Portal” on our School Information Systems (SIS) and also the push notifications that are sent out regarding your child’s grades. That, of course, is one of the most dreaded tools for my High School son. I know almost immediately what work he has or has not turned in and what tests he has taken and passed or failed. It, however, provides me the wonderful opportunity to initiate conversations with him regarding his academic progress. If you haven’t used either of these tools, please see Mrs. Hodges in the High School gym on the afternoon of parent-teacher conferences.

It is my sincerest hope that you take time to attend conferences. Being a parent today is hard work! Being an educator today is hard work! But, I tell you this with all honesty, being a kid today is harder than it has ever been! Please, take the upcoming parent-teacher conferences to become involved and engaged in your child’s life. Join me and the educators of Putnam County R-I to support your children and advance our community.