Take Advantage of Parent Teacher Conferences

On Friday, October 20th we will have completed the 42nd day of school, marking the end of the first quarter. At this point in the school year, teachers are deep into their content. Units of instruction have been completed and assessments have been administered. In the elementary, our teachers have finished the initial FAST screeners and have started progress monitoring. At the high school, the music department performed in their first concert of the year. Our preschool and kindergarten students are through the normal adjustment period and are now beginning the laborious task of learning to read. All around the district, student behavior procedures and plans have been written and are now being implemented. 

These are but a few examples of the plethora of activity that has occurred in this very short timeframe. Indeed we have accomplished a lot since we got the 'plane in the air' this fall. But, what of the accomplishments of your child? How have they adjusted to school? Did their FAST assessment show proficiency? What about that test last week in Physics? Is their behavior something that you can be proud of?

I'm going to guess that many of our parents out there know the answer to those questions. They probably receive regular updates in the form of [an] email from the teacher.  Modern technology also affords parents the ability to observe their child's progress from our Learner Management System, Canvas. In some cases, teachers even use programs like Google Classroom and Seesaw to give parents access to the daily rigors of student learning. Certainly, parents are aware (or should be) if homework isn't being completed. After all, that is an automatic phone call home. 

But for all the advancements in technology that enable parents and teachers to connect ubiquitously from the comfort of their home, place of work, or classroom; nothing can replace the importance and power of the face to face conversation. While modern educational amenities can give a quick update or snapshot of progress, a meeting between parents and teachers can add richness and depth into the successes and challenges a student is encountering in their learning. A face to face conversation enables both parents and teachers to reinforce their commitment to the child that is being served. It provides a venue for a more intimate conversation about student progress. Teachers are able to provide a unique perspective into learning. Parents are able to provide context into a students personality that may unlock a mystery. Both are able to share what has worked, and what hasn't. 

At Hudson Schools, we value the role that parents play in the education of their children and recognized the importance of open lines of communication. The partnership and link between home and school cannot be overstated, and the recognition of parents as primary educators of their own children is an awesome responsibility. 

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for October 23 and 24. Please take advantage of this opportunity.