Communication and Advisory Conferences
On Friday students will be receiving their second trimester grades and reports. For this grading period, teachers were asked to write extended personal comments only if a student finished the term at a grade of C- or below, or if something had changed dramatically in their performance since mid-tri. Teachers did include a class comment to provide an overview of what has been happening in the class for the last several weeks. The reason that teachers are not expected to write longer personalized reports at this time is threefold: 1.) We reported extensively at the mid-tri point just a few weeks ago; 2.) Advisory conferences are right around the corner and advisors and students can elaborate on specific aspects of performance at that time (see paragraph below); 3.) The turn-around time for teachers from second to third trimester is very quick, with little built-in time to grade the final assessments, compute the trimester averages, and get ready for the next trimester. This is especially true for teachers of trimester electives. Even without extended comments, we do expect that the communication lines have been open along the way, and that a teacher, advisor, or dean has already reached out to a parent about a student if that would be important to supporting the student’s performance. And of course, a parent should feel free to reach out to a teacher at any time for additional information.
Meanwhile, students in grades 9-11 have continued to go through the course registration process for 2018-2019. Having met with their advisor, current teachers, and possible future teachers, the students are operating with clear ideas of what they can/should take in their program next year. The first round of registration forms then go to the registrar, Sheila Chennell. At the end of April, the students will review their course selections one more time with their advisor, and then Mrs. Chennell begins building next year’s schedule.
To review all of the above we have a dedicated meeting time next Friday, March 9: our annual advisory conference. At that time, the student, parent(s), and advisor will sit down together to discuss the student’s performance over the year, as well their social-emotional development, and their choices of courses for next year. In an age-appropriate way, we encourage the student to lead the discussion as much as possible. Of course, parents are encouraged to come with questions or to share any thoughts or concerns at that time. If needed, a parent or advisor may initiate some follow-up with one or more of the student’s teachers. Anyone who has not had the chance to sign up for an advisor conference may still do so by going to the parent/teacher conference portal.
Also, please note that I will be holding an Upper School Open Forum session next Monday night from 7-8:15 p.m. I have a few agenda items to cover, and then I open it up to parents for Q&A. The meeting will take place in Knowles Hall and is open to parents of students in grades 8-12.
Also, please note that I will be holding an Upper School Open Forum session next Monday night from 7-8:15 p.m. I have a few agenda items to cover, and then I open it up to parents for Q&A. The meeting will take place in Knowles Hall and is open to parents of students in grades 8-12.
© 2023 Colorado Academy
