During the school year, teachers will invite you to come to parent-teacher meetings, also called conferences. The conference is a meeting between you and your child’s teacher. You will learn more about your child’s classes and find out if your child is having any problems. Teachers like to learn about students from their parents. No one knows your child better than you do. This year, fall conferences take place October 5-8, both in person in the covered area by our playground and virtually on Zoom.
Here are some tips to get the most out of your conference.
Before the Conference
- Ask your child what subjects they like most and least and why.
- Ask your child how they feel about their teacher and their peers. Do they feel supported and welcomed in the classroom? Is there anything they would like support with outside of schoolwork?
- Review any schoolwork that has come home.
- Describe what you see as your child’s strengths and explain where you think your child needs more help.
- Make a list of questions you have and topics you want to discuss with the teacher. Include things that might help them understand your child’s challenges, strengths, and interests.*
- Think about what you can tell teachers that will help them understand your child better, such as your child’s favorite subjects, special interests or hobbies, medical conditions, family situation, or any problem that might affect learning, attendance, or behavior.
During the conference
- Be on time (or early) for the meeting.
- Relax and be yourself.
- Ask the most important questions first.
- If your child receives special services, such as emerging bilingual, Title I reading support, or special education, ask about your child’s progress in those classes. Ask for explanations of anything you don’t understand. Ask your child’s teacher for ways that you can help your child at home.
- End the meeting on time, other parents will probably have a conference after yours.
- If you run out of time, that’s ok! It can be hard to fit it all in during one conference. If you still have unanswered questions, follow up with a written note or schedule a second meeting.
After the Conference
- Talk about the conference with your child.
- Talk about the positive points, and be direct about any problems.
- Tell your child about any plans you and the teacher created.
- Keep in touch with the teacher during the school year.
*Possible questions to ask:
- What are my child’s strongest and weakest subjects?
- What are the grade level expectations or standards?
- Does my child hand in homework on time?
- Does my child participate in class?
- Does my child seem happy at school?
- What can I do at home to help?
- What is the best way to communicate with you?