Dear West Ada Families,
As we approach our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences, I want to take this opportunity to express how valuable these meetings are for building strong partnerships between home and school. Together, we can work to ensure the success of every student, whether in elementary, middle, or high school.
Parent-Teacher Conferences provide a dedicated time to connect with your child’s teacher(s), ask questions, and gain a clearer understanding of your child’s progress and areas for growth. To help you make the most of these meetings, I’ve compiled some tips and tricks that can guide you in preparing for a productive conversation:
Tips for a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference:
Before the Conference:
Review Your Child's Work: Take some time to look through assignments, tests, and any feedback your child has received. This can provide insight into their strengths and challenges.
Talk with Your Child: Ask them about how they feel about their school experience, including what subjects they enjoy or find difficult. Knowing their perspective can help guide your questions.
Prepare Questions: Write down a few key questions you want to discuss during the conference. Examples include:
What are my child’s strengths in the classroom?
Are there specific areas where my child needs improvement?
How can I best support my child at home with their schoolwork?
Check Progress Reports: For older students, especially those in middle and high school, reviewing grades in PowerSchool or other systems can help you better understand your child’s current academic standing.
During the Conference:
Be Open and Honest: Share any relevant information that might help the teacher understand your child better, such as learning styles, home routines, or concerns about their progress.
Listen Carefully: Teachers will provide valuable insights about your child’s academic performance, behavior, and social interactions. Take notes to ensure you capture key points.
Ask About Social and Emotional Development: In addition to academics, inquire about how your child interacts with peers and participates in class discussions. Social-emotional development is key to a well-rounded education.
Clarify Expectations: Ask the teacher about what’s expected at this stage in the school year and how you can help your child meet those expectations.
After the Conference:
Talk with Your Child: Share the highlights of the conversation with your child and discuss ways you can work together to support their growth.
Set Goals: Work with your child to set attainable goals for the remainder of the semester. Having specific targets can help your child stay motivated.
Stay in Touch: Keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teacher(s). If needed, schedule follow-up meetings or communicate through email or phone calls to monitor progress.
At West Ada, we are committed to building strong relationships between families and educators to ensure the success of all students. I encourage you to approach conferences with an open mind and a focus on how we can collaborate to create the best learning experience possible for your child.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education. We look forward to seeing you at the conferences and continuing to work together throughout the school year.
Parent-Teacher Conference Schedule Overview
Elementary School Conferences:
Wednesday, October 9:
In-Person Conferences from 4:30 PM – 8:15 PM or 4:15 PM – 8:00 PMThursday, October 10 (No School for Students):
In-Person Conferences from 8:15 AM – 4:15 PM (with lunch and breaks)
In-Person Conferences from 4:30 PM – 8:00 PMFriday, October 11 (No School)
Middle School Conferences:
Wednesday, October 9:
In-Person Conferences from 4:00 PM – 7:45 PMThursday, October 10 (No School for Students):
In-Person Conferences from 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM or by appointment via MS Teams
Teacher Planning/Prep Time from 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
In-Person Conferences from 4:00 PM – 7:45 PM or 3:30 PM – 7:15 PMFriday, October 11 (No School)
High School Conferences:
Wednesday, October 9 (A or B Day, Full Day of School):
In-Person Conferences from 4:00 PM – 7:45 PMThursday, October 10 (A or B Day, Full Day of School):
In-Person Conferences from 4:00 PM – 7:45 PMFriday, October 11 (No School)
Note: Conference locations will be determined by each school’s administration. CTE RHS and MHS teachers may schedule conferences by appointment via MS Teams.
Sincerely,
Dr. Derek Bub
Superintendent, West Ada School District
