In November, we practice gratitude and so I would like to say thank you for all that you do to help us create a positive learning environment for our children. Remember, a strong parent teacher partnership will benefit all of our children.

Parent conferences will take place November 16th, 17th, 18th and 20th (school will be dismissed at 12:15 everyday that week). These conferences will be informative and all parents are expected to attend one for each of their children. Parent-teacher conferences are an opportunity for you to communicate with teachers about your child’s progress. We want all of our students to meet or exceed grade level standards. At the conference, the teacher will share your child’s work and what is expected to reach proficiency. Here are some strategies for making the best use of this time:

• Jot down questions and concerns you have about the teaching program.
• Jot down any information about your child that might be helpful to the teacher.
• Talk to your child before the conference to find out about his or her perceived areas of strength and challenge.
  

During the conference

• If you are unfamiliar with the report card, ask for a short explanation of how it works.
• Ask the teacher to share examples of your child’s work.
• Ask the teacher to explain and give examples of “proficient” student work so you will know what the grade-level expectations are.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if the teacher uses terms you don’t understand.
• Ask how the teacher plans to support your child’s progress.
• Ask the teacher for specific suggestions about how you can support your child’s progress at home.

After the conference

• Discuss the report card marks with your child. Focus first on your child’s strengths and then highlight 1-2 areas for growth.
• Discuss the plan you have formed with the teacher to support learning at home.
  The conference should not be the only conversation you have with the teacher about your child’s progress.
  

Another way to help our children meet/exceed grade level standards is to make sure that they are in school! We can not teach our children if they are not in school and early leave slips are a disruption to the learning environment. So, Please… plan vacations/trips/appointments during the declared breaks. Lions make attendance a daily Habit!
 
Have a restful Thanksgiving season!