Comments on: Parents Night

By: Mr. Sweeney

Mr. Sweeney — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:41:58 +0000

The thing is that though germs DO get you sick, it’s a medical fact that parent’s night diminishes the ability of your immune system making you more susceptible to being sick.

By: Kate Nowak

Kate Nowak — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:19:32 +0000

This was the first year I got several “How is Sally Doing?” parents. Thing is I had JUST GIVEN THEM a login and password for mygradebook.com. So I said as unsarcastically as possible, “See, you can login any time and see her up to date grades and quarter average.” (and I’d be happy to schedule a time to meet if you email me later, blah blah blah.)

By: Mr. K

Mr. K — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:25:56 +0000

You kind of covered the big items (Though we call it “back to school night”. In about 5 or six weeks, we have conference night, where the parents actually do come to talk about their kids).

I use student led conferences, so rather than just shutting the parents down, I turn to the kid and ask them how they’re doing. If the kid prevaricates, I suggest that their parents ask them to get out their portfolio. At the same time, I let the parents know they’re free to schedule an appointment with me through the main office if they have any concerns with what they see.

I don’t actually spend any time with them, I don’t answer any questions, and they still get some idea of what’s up, while the kids get a preview of what’s going to happen in 6 weeks.

There are times, though, where I’m tempted to answer that their child is much better at following guidelines than her parents are…