It is not too early to start thinking about what parent-teacher conference time slot you might like to reserve.
On November 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, in addition to the regular time slots, I also encourage you to consider one of the following additional time slots that I am making available to fourth grade parents.
These times might be appealing to parents who:
1) would like to meet when they drop off their child
2) work nearby
3) would like the first appointment available at the end of the school day
If you see one you would like, please let me know and I will reserve your spot.
Monday, November 3
7:30-7:45am
7:45-8:00am
12:30-12:45pm (dismissal time)
Tuesday, November 4
6:45-7:00am
7:00-7:15am
7:15-7:30am
7:30-7:45am
7:45-8:00am
11:00-11:15am
12:30-12:45pm (dismissal time)
Wednesday, November 5
7:30-7:45am
7:45-8:00am
12:30-12:45pm (dismissal time)
Thursday, November 6
6:45-7:00am
7:00-7:15am
7:15-7:30am
7:30-7:45am
11:00-11:15am
12:30-12:45pm (dismissal time)
Friday, November 7
6:45-7:00am
7:00-7:15am
7:15-7:30am
7:30-7:45am
7:45-8:00am
8:00-8:15am
8:15-8:30am
12:30-12:45pm (dismissal time)
How To Make Parent-Teacher Conferences Work for Your Child
From the National Education Association
Here Are Some Things To Keep in Mind
Start the conference right: be there on time, and 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.
Talk to your children before the conference. Find out what they think are their best subjects, and what subjects they like the least. Find out why.
Ask your children if there is anything they would like you to talk about with their teachers.
Make sure your children don't worry about the meeting. Help them understand that you and their teacher(s) are meeting together in order to help them.
Before you go to the school, write notes to yourself about:
• things about your child's life at home, personality, problems, habits, and hobbies you feel it's important for the teacher to know
• your questions about the school's programs or policies
• questions about your child's progress
• how you and the school can work together to help your child
It's a good idea to ask your most important questions first, just in case time runs out before you and the teacher have a chance to discuss them all.
Be sure to ask the teacher for specific suggestions on ways to help your child do better. This is the most important part of the meeting. It will become your action plan.
If the teacher says something you don't quite understand, don't be shy about asking for an explanation. It's a good idea to end the conference by summing up decisions you've made together.
After the conference, 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.
