Parent-Teacher Conferences, Wednesday, 10/28, 6-8:30 PM, and Thursday, 11/5, 4-6:30 PM
On Friday, October 23, half of your child's first Trimester will be "in the books" and you will receive your child’s 1st Trimester Progress Report.
I always feel as though this is the first sign that "school has officially begun." With that knowledge, we also have our Parent-Teacher Conferences scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, in the evening, from 6-8:30 PM, and Thursday, November 5, in the afternoon/evening, from 4-6:30 PM.
I always feel as though this is the first sign that "school has officially begun." With that knowledge, we also have our Parent-Teacher Conferences scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, in the evening, from 6-8:30 PM, and Thursday, November 5, in the afternoon/evening, from 4-6:30 PM.
These conferences are only five minutes in duration and may not be enough time for a complete discussion regarding your child’s progress or lack of it. If you feel that more time is needed, use your appointment to reschedule a time that would offer both you and the teacher enough time to adequately discuss your child’s present situation. This will open the door and begin the communication that is necessary to bring all of us to the same page on your child’s educational growth. I will repeat something I mentioned from the progress reports, the marks that you find on the report card should never be a surprise to either you or the student.
For those parents, who might be new to NMS, here is a description of how the two evenings work:
Parents can start coming in at 6 PM. You go to the classrooms of your child(ren), and there may be a sign-up sheet outside that door and/or chairs to line up and wait. There may also be a Student Council student rep at the door to monitor time, etc.
Parents can start coming in at 6 PM. You go to the classrooms of your child(ren), and there may be a sign-up sheet outside that door and/or chairs to line up and wait. There may also be a Student Council student rep at the door to monitor time, etc.
The teacher will then meet with the parent for about a five minute time period, and the parent then moves on.
It is not a perfect system at all, but it does work, as I witnessed the last three years. There just isn't enough time to make it "perfect." I will say, though, that usually the second Parent-Teacher Conference time (the Thursday, 11/5 time slot) is lighter, and if parents can make that time period, it would give you the greater chance to have at least that 5-minute block with teachers. Also, parents need to know that these meetings are at a maximum of 5 minutes, so if you need to discuss something in more detail, please just use your 5 minutes to set-up an appointment for another time.
Sometimes during the evening, a parent will sign up for one teacher and then if they see that teacher is busy or there is a long line, go around to other teachers and meet, and then come back to meet with that first teacher.
Sometimes during the evening, a parent will sign up for one teacher and then if they see that teacher is busy or there is a long line, go around to other teachers and meet, and then come back to meet with that first teacher.
The Unified Arts teachers will be in their rooms and they are usually available throughout the night.
Some teachers may be engaging your children through Student-Led Conferences. This is a practice we started piloting two years ago and have seen some great success with. The students have worked toward achieving success with regard to their learning standards this year and are excited to share that progress so far in a conference with you. It is better to hear it straight from them than from the teacher as they will tell you what they've worked on, how they have done so, and what they still need to do.
At the John T. Nichols, Jr. Middle School, we believe that these conferences engage students in the learning process in a positive and meaningful way. This way of providing progress/grade information also allows students to be independent and accountable learners.
In addition, this model for conferencing builds a partnership between home and school that is unique. Student-Led Conferences create a stronger form of communication between parent, student, and teacher. It allows all participants the chance to discuss student progress in a powerful way that increases everyone’s understanding of where each student is performing academically and socially. Additionally, students get the opportunity to hone their skills as communicators, learners, thinkers, citizens, and collaborative contributors.
Again, this first night on Wednesday, October 28, is the "night time" version from 6 to 8:30 PM, and then there is the afternoon version which is on Thursday, November 5, from 4 to 6:30.
During both sessions, Ms. Rae, Mr. Thomas, and I will also be in and around the building to meet with parents with any questions they may have. Please do not ever hesitate to ask.
We will have the Fall Book Fair in the Media Center and also PTA selling goods and raffles outside the main hallway. It is usually a very bustling evening for all.
Below I have attached an article by the NEA (National Education Association) which I feel can help with conferences; it is entitled, “How To Make Parent-Teacher Conferences Work for Your Child.” I have cut it down to just some helpful hints:
“You've been asked to attend a regularly scheduled ‘report card’ conference with your child's teacher. Teachers like to meet with parents from time to time to discuss how to help students do their best in school. All children learn in different ways. They have their own individual personalities and their own work habits. To help their students learn new knowledge and skills, teachers must know as much as they can about each child. No one knows more about and has more influence over your children than you. That's why teachers need your help to do a first-class job. Working together, you and the teacher can help your child have a successful school year.
Here are some things to keep in mind before the conference:
“You've been asked to attend a regularly scheduled ‘report card’ conference with your child's teacher. Teachers like to meet with parents from time to time to discuss how to help students do their best in school. All children learn in different ways. They have their own individual personalities and their own work habits. To help their students learn new knowledge and skills, teachers must know as much as they can about each child. No one knows more about and has more influence over your children than you. That's why teachers need your help to do a first-class job. Working together, you and the teacher can help your child have a successful school year.
Here are some things to keep in mind before the conference:
- Start the conference right: plan not to run over the amount of time that has been set aside.
- The best conferences are those in which both teachers and parents stay calm and try hard to work together for one purpose and one purpose only: to help your child do well. Arguing, or blaming each other for problems your child is having, helps no one.
Before you go to the school, write notes to yourself about:
- things about your child's home life you feel it’s important for the teacher to know
- questions about your child’s progress
- how you and the school can work together to help your child
- Is my child working up to his or her ability?
- Does my child participate in class discussions and activities?
- Has my child missed any assignments?
- Have you noticed any sudden changes in the way my child acts?
- What kinds of things should I do to help my child's progress (especially in terms of Homework, studying for tests/quizzes, writing assignments, etc.)?
After the conference, one should start immediately on the action plan you and the teacher worked out together. Discuss the plan with your child. Make sure he or she knows that you and the teacher care. To see if the action plan is working, watch your child's behavior and check your child's class work and homework. Stay in regular touch with the teacher to discuss the progress your child is making. Meeting with your child's teachers should help build strong parent-teacher partnerships—partnerships that are needed if you and your child's teachers are to reach your common goal of helping your child get the best education possible.” The National PTA, National Education Association of the United States
We hope to see as many of you as we can either Wednesday, October 28, from 6 to 8:30 PM, or on Thursday, November 5, from 4 to 6:30 PM.
We hope to see as many of you as we can either Wednesday, October 28, from 6 to 8:30 PM, or on Thursday, November 5, from 4 to 6:30 PM.
As always, if any questions, please don't hesitate to get in contact with us.
Thank you,
M. R. Geoghegan
