Making the Most of Parent Teacher Conferences
November 24 and 25 are our scheduled Parent Teacher
Conferences. For many, it will be the first opportunity for you as parents to
discuss your child’s academic and social development. We look at parent
conferences not only as an opportunity to discuss your child, but also as an
opportunity to nurture a positive partnership between home and school.
Here are some tips provided by the National PTA that I
thought might prove helpful in ensuring a successful conference:
Establish
rapport—As
an icebreaker, take time to share something that reflects well upon the
teacher. For example, thank the teacher for having made thoughtful notes on
your child's homework or for the special attention in helping your child learn
to multiply.
Ask questions—Questions you
ask during the conference can help you express your hopes for the student's
success in class and for the teacher. It's a good idea to ask the important
questions first, in case time runs out. The teacher's answers should help you
both work together to help your child.
Make a list—Before you go to the
meeting, make a list of topics to discuss with the teacher. Along with
questions about academics and behavior, you may want to talk to the teacher
about the child's home life, personality, concerns, habits and hobbies, and
other topics that may help the teacher in working with the child.
Addressing problems—Parent-teacher conferences are a good time to
discuss any difficulties (either academic or behavioral) a child might be
having at school.
Develop an
action plan—If
the student needs help with a behavioral or an academic issue, you and the
teacher should agree on a specific plan—that you both will work on—to help your
child do better. Be sure you understand what the teacher suggests. If it's not
clear, ask him or her to explain. Set up a way to check on your child's
progress. You and the teacher can decide how best to stay in touch, such as
through phone calls, notes, or additional meetings.
Ending the
conference—End
the conference by reviewing what you discussed and restating your action plan.
This is also a good time to set up your next meeting if needed.
If you have further questions after your conference,
please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to sit with you to
ensure everything is in place to make certain your child has a successful
school year.
Using Technology in the Classrooms
Mrs. Gauzza's kindergarten classroom center time looks a little different on Tuesday mornings.
During center time, the students still work with Mrs. Taylor, their Early Literacy teaching assistant, to master letters and sounds. They develop their fine motor skills during an independent work center, and read and write with Mrs. Gauzza. However, the students also rotate through a center with Instructional Technology Support Assistant Mrs. Gartner-Baca.
"Mrs. G", as the kids call her, helps the students as they explore different educational apps on the iPads, especially one called Reading Eggs. Working in small groups with the children allows her to guide them through the lessons and activities as well as troubleshoot any issues as they come up. She has worked in each of the kindergarten classrooms this year and visits some routinely. Later in the school year, she will bring laptops into the rooms to introduce computers to the students. They will become familiar with using a mouse or a touchpad on a laptop, develop early typing skills, and basic webpage navigation.
Later in the year, Mrs. G will visit classrooms in the first and second grades to help them use different technologies to research during the Winter Wonderland projects. In addition, she plans to go into second grade classrooms to give tips and tricks to students for using Microsoft Word.
Winter Weather is Here!
Though it is not yet Thanksgiving, as the storm that slammed the Buffalo area recently proved: winter weather is here. Please make sure that your child has appropriate clothing. Students not only walk to and from the bus, but also play outside for recess. We want to make sure they stay warm!
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, Nov. 24, Early Dismissal, 11:30 a.m. Parent Teacher Conferences (Elementary only)
Tuesday, Nov. 25, Early Dismissal, 11:30 a.m. Parent Teacher Conferences (Elementary only)
Wednesday, Nov.26 - Friday, Nov. 28, No School Thanksgiving Recess
Thanks,
Lori