Principal Walder's Monday Memo
For the week of January 28
Parent-Teacher Conferences Coming Up
It's a unique opportunity to have parent-teacher conferences without a Report Card. Although a Report Card is often the focus for parents, as teachers we really want to be able to talk about more than the Report Card. As there isn't a Report Card, yet, you can more easily drive the conversation.
Here are some recommendations for a non-report card conference (adapted from ASCD Website):
Pre-Conference:
- Compile a folder of student work to drive the conversation. It's neat to have student work on the folder (large construction paper) for parents to take with them.
- If you would like, send out a pre-conference questionnaire to see what parents feel about their child's school year. There are many samples online or you can create your own based on your needs.
- Have printouts of the NWEA scores or have the website easily available to refer toward in case parents have questions.
- Invite Mrs. Walder or Mr. Bullis if you have any concerns. We can easily do a "drive-by" to see if you need anything and only stay if you'd like.
- Invite SPED teachers, Behavior Teachers, or other Special Services teachers for anybody that may also want to attend to support the child's learning experience.
During the Conference:
- Start by inviting parents to share their thoughts on progress. Without a report card, you may find out more about how parents and students feel about their learning this year.
- Highlight the positives by recognizing the strengths before discussing the struggles.
- Choose only one or two concerns to address at the conference. If there is more than this, end the conference with an opportunity to meet another time.
- If parents ask questions that you do not know the answer to, is it perfectly OK to tell parents that you want to think about what they've said, observe their child again, consult the Principal, and then meet again soon.
Be Prepared for Surprises
Parents sometimes surprise us with negative or personal questions or comments: "My son's teacher bullied him all last year." "My daughter's lazy. She never tries at anything." "My husband doesn't care about Mark. He never comes to these conferences." "My wife's divorcing me. Things are falling apart."
What can you do in such an instance?
- Steer the conversation back to positives: "I'm sorry things didn't go well for Adam last year. But because our time is limited, I'd like to focus on what we can accomplish this year if we work together."
- Focus on the child: "You seem to be going through some tough stuff right now. I wonder if that's taking Jasmine's attention away from school. What do you think we might do to help her concentrate?"
- Listen with empathy: "That must be hard" or "You've been through a lot" can help parents feel heard without injecting your own opinion or advice.
- Offer to get help: "You seem to be wondering what to do next. Our school counselor may have some ideas for you."
If there are contentious issues that come up, please make sure to visit with Mrs. Walder and/ or Mr. Bullis. We want to support you as well.
Thank you for all you do for our students! I hope you find some time to celebrate all the success and progress that you have found this year with your students!
Mrs. Walder's Schedule
Monday:
- All Elementary Teachers Send out SIgn up Genius for Parent-Teacher Conferences Today
- 9:30 Individual Teacher Meeting
- 10:30 Individual Teacher Meeting
- 1:20- 2:05 1st PLC in Mrs. Westhoff's Room
- 2:10- 2:55 Kindergarten PLC in Mrs. Snell's Room
- 3:30- 4:00 Benchmark Discussion
Tuesday:
- Mrs. Walder in Pierre all day
- 3:30 TAT Follow up
Wednesday:
- 9:00- 9:30 JK PLC Bring Computers
- 10:20 - 11:20 Teacher Observation
- 12:30- 1:15 2nd Grade PLC in Mrs. Underberg's Room
- 3:30 Reading Challenge Team in Mr. Baker's Room
Thursday:
- 7:40- 8:05 Kids Deserve It! Book Study Meeting in Mrs. Deibert's Room
- 9:00- 10:00 Teacher Observation
- 12:35 Individual Teacher Meeting
- 2:15 Individual Teacher Meeting
Friday:
- 9:30- 10:15 4th Grade PLC at Mrs. Rhead's Room -- CHANGE
- 10:20- 11:05 3rd Grade PLC at Mr. Westhoff's Room -- CHANGE
- 2:00 Interventionist PLC
- 3:30 IEP at Legacy
Upcoming Dates for 3rd Quarter Grades:
Schedule for Grades for Third Quarter:
March 18th by 8:00 am -- Grades Due
March 19th -- Reports Cards given back to teachers to double check for accuracy
March 20th -- Report Cards mailed home to parents
Contact Mrs. Walder
Email: Samantha.Walder@k12.sd.us
Website: https://www.teaschools.k12.sd.us/
Location: Tea, SD, USA
Phone: 6058817381
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeaAreaLegacy/