By Joyce Brasington
Principal, Leonard Elementary

Wow! We are almost through the first ten weeks of school and it is time to conduct parent-teacher conferences. The dates and times of the conferences are:
High School
Monday, November 12 from 5 ? 8 p.m.
Wednesday, November 14 from 4 ? 7 p.m.
Friday, November 16 from Noon ? 3:00 p.m.
Middle School Tuesday, November 13 from 4 ? 7 p.m.
Wednesday, November 14 from 5 ? 8 p.m.
Friday, November 16 from 11:30 a.m. ? 2:30 p.m.
Elementary Schools
Monday, November 12
By appointment.
Thursday, November 15
By appointment.
Friday, November 16
By appointment.
You do not need an appointment at the high school or middle school.
Studies have shown that children whose parents are involved in their education do better in school. Parent-teacher conferences are one way to get involved. Because the time for these conferences is limited, I wanted to share some ideas to focus your discussion with your child’s teachers.
Before the conference:
nTalk with your child. Find out their favorite class or activity or if they have any concerns they would like for you to discuss with their teacher.
nCheck over their work. Be prepared to discuss their strengths and their weaknesses.
The day of the conference:
n Be on time. The typical conference schedule is tight. If you find you have a conflict, please call the teacher as soon as possible.
n Remember that conferences are brief. If you need more time, please ask for a follow up meeting.
n Keep an open mind. Remember conferences are meant to help you understand your child’s performance. Working together with the teacher will help your child succeed.
Afterward:
nTalk to your child. Let them know what you discussed with the teacher. Remember to praise all the things your child is doing well. Talk about the areas the teacher, the child and you will be working on to improve their success.
nFollow up. Consider contacting the teacher by note, telephone or in person, after a few weeks to let them know what you are doing to follow through on what was discussed and to hear about your child’s progress.
While parent teacher conferences are specifically scheduled times to meet with the teachers, remember that parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s education year-round. Parents can communicate with teachers a number of ways including student planners, email, telephone, or parent meetings.