Statistics show that the older a student becomes, the less time parents focus on their child’s education and the less likely they are to attend parent teacher conferences. We are trying to make Hudson High School the exception, rather than the rule. This year’s parent teacher conferences are slated for Thursday, November 15th. The afternoon session is from 1-3pm and the evening session is from 5:30-7:30pm.
To improve the level of participation at this year’s event, we have rented two school buses to stop at various locations around the district to pick up and drop off families who would like to attend. We are also providing child care, through volunteers from the HHS Student Government, to watch younger siblings so parents can discuss, without distraction, the progress their child has made this year. In case you might also be hungry, the Class of 2014 is sponsoring a Brooks Barbeque as well. A newsletter detailing all the information above is being sent home soon.
If you plan on attending, here are some tips for preparing yourselves for the conferences:
1) Do your homework- Talk to your child before the conference so you can address issues they might be having in class. It is also a good idea to write it down and bring your notes with you.
2) Join forces- The best results follow when parents and teachers work together.
3) Start positive- Begin by complimenting the teacher on something that he or she seems to be doing right. This sets a positive tone for the meeting and help foster cooperation later on.
4) Open lines of communication- By informing the teacher of possible changes at home, you will help the teacher better understand the child and enable them to be more equipped to appropriately instruct him. Divorce, remarriage, foreclosure, moving, a new baby: These are just a few of the personal issues that can affect a student’s behavior and work on campus.
5) Walk out with a plan for improvement-Coming up with an action plan to address academic or behavioral concerns can benefit the parent, the teacher and the student long after the conference is over. Most kids also want to have a clear idea of what’s expected of the teacher, the parent(s), and, most importantly, from them.
6) Keep in touch-Once an action plan is in place, try to determine how you’ll follow up with the teacher in the weeks and months ahead. Will it be through written notes, a phone call, or another conference? An email or phone contact at school can help the parent check in on their child weekly or in a couple of weeks to see how they are doing. When a child sees parents and teachers are regularly working together, the child will see that education is a high priority requiring commitment and effort.
I encourage all of you to take an active role in your child’s education and I hope to see all of you on November 15th.
To improve the level of participation at this year’s event, we have rented two school buses to stop at various locations around the district to pick up and drop off families who would like to attend. We are also providing child care, through volunteers from the HHS Student Government, to watch younger siblings so parents can discuss, without distraction, the progress their child has made this year. In case you might also be hungry, the Class of 2014 is sponsoring a Brooks Barbeque as well. A newsletter detailing all the information above is being sent home soon.
If you plan on attending, here are some tips for preparing yourselves for the conferences:
1) Do your homework- Talk to your child before the conference so you can address issues they might be having in class. It is also a good idea to write it down and bring your notes with you.
2) Join forces- The best results follow when parents and teachers work together.
3) Start positive- Begin by complimenting the teacher on something that he or she seems to be doing right. This sets a positive tone for the meeting and help foster cooperation later on.
4) Open lines of communication- By informing the teacher of possible changes at home, you will help the teacher better understand the child and enable them to be more equipped to appropriately instruct him. Divorce, remarriage, foreclosure, moving, a new baby: These are just a few of the personal issues that can affect a student’s behavior and work on campus.
5) Walk out with a plan for improvement-Coming up with an action plan to address academic or behavioral concerns can benefit the parent, the teacher and the student long after the conference is over. Most kids also want to have a clear idea of what’s expected of the teacher, the parent(s), and, most importantly, from them.
6) Keep in touch-Once an action plan is in place, try to determine how you’ll follow up with the teacher in the weeks and months ahead. Will it be through written notes, a phone call, or another conference? An email or phone contact at school can help the parent check in on their child weekly or in a couple of weeks to see how they are doing. When a child sees parents and teachers are regularly working together, the child will see that education is a high priority requiring commitment and effort.
I encourage all of you to take an active role in your child’s education and I hope to see all of you on November 15th.