I am pleased that our calendar includes occasional three-day weekends for the kids (and teachers) to get away from the screen, get outdoors, enjoy family, and generally recharge. I hope that your family is able to take advantage of the extra day. My plan for at least part of it will involve unplugging and NOT checking my email. There might also be a little bit of time in a river.

 

Middle School conferences are around the corner on Wednesday, September 30, Thursday, October 1, and Friday, October 2. Many of you, I know, have already signed up. This first set of conferences are PARENT/TEACHER conferences; students do NOT attend.  Our hope is that this provides parents the opportunity to have significant conversations with teachers about the child as a person and learner, as well as for the teacher to share initial observations. It is intentional that we position these conferences early in the year. It allows a two-way conversation to happen and a relationship of trust to build. 

 

The evening before conferences begin, parents will receive Mid-Tri reports. Mid-Tris contain a brief overview of what has been studied in each class and a current aggregate achievement assessment. If a child is earning a C+ or below, the teacher will also add a comment. The real conversation, however, happens during the conference. Our hope is that the combination of the quick update (Mid-Tri), along with the chance to chat together about goals, hopes, and progress, gives parents and teachers a better understanding of the child and how to best support them. 

 

The second set of conferences in March invites the student into the conversation. As a matter of fact, the student will “lead” the conference—sharing their progress as a person, decision maker, friend, and learner. We believe that this combination creates strong, positive outcomes for students. 

 

If you have any questions, or if I can be helpful in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Enjoy the extra day!

Bill