Let Them Know You Care

Whether you love them or hate them, the week is here-Parent Teacher Conferences.  Conferences are always filled with both anticipation and anxiety.  Although they were always a bit stressful, I used to enjoy conferences.  I spent more waking minutes with my students than my own children and I wanted to share my observations of my students with the people that loved them best of all.

Now as a parent attending conferences myself, I realize that what I believed then is still true.  Parents want to know you care.  Don't just share grades and data.  That paints one picture of a child but as a teacher you know a child is more than just homework and test scores.  Sharing narratives of of kids behavior as learners and leaders is essential.  Parents want to know that you know their child.  You're paying attention and you value their interests.

At Carys's conference last week, her teacher gave us all the data.  Then he told a story of how he had watched her with a classmate debating an answer to the math problem on the white board.  Both children were passionately explaining their thinking (Carys later described it as arguing).  He said he just sat back amused and fascinated and let them debate.  That narrative provides a deeper picture of her place in her classroom.  It validated his description of Carys as confident, eager to participate, and able to explain her thinking but it did it in a way that proved he was paying attention.  So at conferences this week, address parent concerns, share your observations, and let them know that you care about their child as a learner and a human being.  After all, that's what they really want to know.

Big Rocks:

Thanks to all of your help promoting the Walk-a-thon.  We raised $6,885!  Andrea randomly dropped by for a visit and she really was so impressed by our kiddos during the walk.  

Originally, the PTA was going to provide lunch and dinners both days of conferences.  Unfortunately, it sounds like there was some miscommunication.  The PTA will only be providing dinner on Wednesday night.  The PTA is having a Dine to Donate Fundraiser at Panera Bread from 4:00-8:00 on Thursday night.  We encourage everyone to consider grabbing dinner at Panera instead.

Kristi and I are happy to attend any conferences.  Kristi sent out a google doc if you had a particular conference you want us to attend.  We did have a chance to read over all report cards.  Thank you to everyone for all of the hard work you put into them.  We know it takes more time to write individual comments but once again it shows parents you know their child as individuals.  It's appreciated!

Calendar for the Week of November 9:

Monday: Report cards go home.

               2:30 Visit to Hillel School Makerspace 

               12:30-3:30 DSIT Focus Group @ CO (Kristi )

Tuesday: 9:30 BIP meeting for A.B. 

Wednesday: 5:00-8:00 Parent Teacher Conferences

                     4:00-8:00 PTA Bake Sale

Thursday: 8:00-11:00, 1:00-4:00, 5:00-8:00 Parent Teacher Conferences

                 9:00-8:00 PTA Bake Sale

                 4:00-8:00 Panera Bread Fundraising Night

Friday: WAHOO!! Comp Day!