WEBSTER WEEKLY
Webster Primary Center ~ February 1, 2016
A NEW Format for being "in the know"
Teach and Lead like a Pirate
Conferences
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."
February Character Theme: RESPECT!
Calendar of Events
Conference night 1
Evidence 3 due in Talent Ed
Dinner from Cafe Janice
February 2
Conference night 2
Dinner from PTO
February 3
NO SMART Club - send notes
February 4
Jean Day
February 5
NO SCHOOL
*stay home *sleep in *enjoy your family *be lazy *do what YOU want!
Reminders
*1st Grade keep asking for Valentine's Day candy
*Early Dismissal 2/12
11:00 1st lunch in rooms, 2nd recess
11:30 2nd lunch in rooms, 1st recess
12:00 parties in rooms
12:30 end and ready to leave
12:40 early bus