This week the staff of Genoa-Kingston # 424 will have the opportunity to meet with the parents of our students during parent/teacher conferences on Thursday, November 3th and Friday, November 4th. I encourage all parents to make an appointment with their child or children’s teacher and discuss the academic progress that is taking place so far this year. I have included some various tips and reminders to make the conference productive and as informative as possible for all involved
With so much to talk about in so little time, here's how you can make the most of your meeting:
Before the Teacher Conference
• Start preparing early. Don't wait until the night before to get organized. Create a folder at the beginning of the year in which you store test scores, big homework assignments, your notes, and topics you want to address.
• Talk to your child. Ask how they are doing in class, what's going on during lunchtime, recess, and when she goes to special classes like music or gym. Make sure to understand any situation thoroughly.
During the Teacher Conference
• Arrive early. With only a few precious minutes to spend, you don't want to be late. It will shorten your time with your child's teacher and affect her day's entire schedule.
• Enter with the right attitude. The goal of both the teacher and the parent should be the success of the student, but sometimes parents have a hard time discussing tough issues. Rather than put the teacher on the defensive, arrive with a compliment to start the conference off on the right foot. ("My son is really enjoying the unit on space" or "We had a great time on the field trip.") Then address any concerns in a respectful way.
• Find out the communication protocol. Don't let this be the only time you talk to your child's teacher. Ask how they like to communicate, whether it's by e-mail, notes passed through a folder, or phone calls. Let the teacher know you want to be a partner in the education process
After the Teacher Conference
• Follow up. If the teacher brings something to your attention that needs to be addressed with your child, take steps to put the plan in motion, whether it's helping with organizational skills, getting extra help, or addressing a social issue.
• Update your child. Start with the positive things their teacher had to say, then fill them in on any concerns you and the teacher discussed. Explain how you can all work together to ensure your child has a successful year.
Five questions to ask:
• What skills and knowledge will my child be expected to master this year?
• How will my child be evaluated?
• What can I do to stay more involved in my child's academic progress?
• How do you accommodate differences in learning?
• How are older students prepared for further learning after high school?
Have a great conference and please contact your student’s school with any questions.