November 11, 2012

Sandy and Parent/Teacher Conferences

So...in my last post I was worried about getting back to routines after Halloween--what I really should have been worried about was Sandy...as in the Hurricane! 

First, I want to say that I have a new found respect for ANYONE living where hurricanes, tornadoes, or any other type of natural disaster can happen. Never did I imagine the destruction! Luckily, my house, my school, and the neighborhoods of my students were not badly effected--power outages, downed poles, and some trees on houses. I cannot say the same for some other parts of the city--where it looks more like a war zone than a neighborhood. Rubble sits where houses used to stand and the smell of oil and smoke fills the air. 

We're slowly getting back to normal--it's what we need. The kids, the schools, the cities--though some may not be able to be normal for a long time, we do what we have to do and we'll be stronger because of it and more prepared for the next time.

Amidst the gas rationing and the Nor'easter, November has crept onto my calendar! I honestly can't believe how quickly this year is going! Parent/teacher conferences are on Wednesday and next week is Thanksgiving!

To help me not think about what's really going on prepare for my conferences I created a Parent/Teacher Conference Pack. It is listed HERE in my TpT Store. Here's a peek...

  


 
The first 3 people who comment telling me how they prepare for parent/teacher conferences AND leave their email address will get this 21 page pack for free :)


Stay safe :)


15 comments:

  1. Organisation is key to these conferences! I have a dedicated binder for these conferences and have binder dividers to separate each student. In there are progress charts, a sample of some of the student's work, student's strengths and areas to improve on.
    cheriemae@gmail.com

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    1. Cherie--I love the binder idea! I think it would fit perfectly with what my principal wants us to do this year!

      Thank you for sharing :)
      --jen

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  2. Thanks, Jen, and Cherie Mae, too! I prep an "info page" like the ones you've made, with the latest math test scores, math fluency, and reading info. Our school uses a school conference form which includes "strengths, areas which need improvement, and recomendations," so I fill those out ahead of time. Thanks for sharing your organizational system! --Caroline cadams@hoover.k12.al.us

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    1. Caroline--our systems are very similar :) It really makes a difference when the parents are sitting in front of you. Thanks for sharing!

      --jen

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  3. I love this packet and all of your ideas! I use a conference folder for each student with a self reflection sheet and goal setting form that is completed for the next quarter. I have conferences again tomorrow and I feel ready:)
    Thanks, again!
    donelle.welch@yahoo.com

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    1. Donelle--I love the idea of a self-reflection sheet! I find that I'm so busy trying to get the students to create their goals (for goal letters and their data binders) that I forget how important it is so self-reflect. It seems like there just isn't enough time! Thanks for sharing your idea!

      --jen

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    2. Donelle--I tried to email you but it was sent back to me. Is there another email address I can send it to?

      Thanks!
      --jen

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    3. I am so sorry for the inconvenience! Let's try my school email. Thank you so much, Jen!
      Donelle

      donelle.welch@milaca.k12.mn.us

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  4. Preparation is important to me. I need to keep an organized binder and write bullet points I want to discuss, positive and improvement areas. I also make sure I record what the parents have to say. I get so very nervous during conferences that I also have to remember to Keep Calm and Conference On!
    On another note, I too live in NJ. I go back to school tomorrow on Monday after 2 weeks of no power at school. I myself was out of power for 9 days. I am excited to go back and hope I can get them back in to the routine, just in time for Thanksgiving.
    I love your blog and thank you for sharing!
    Peggy
    mrspaulson@gmail.com

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    1. Mrs.Paulson--I love your mantra! I'm going to use it when I start to get really nervous!

      I'm so happy to hear that you and your school have power! We were out of school for a week and I was really looking forward to going back. I think I needed my students as much as they needed me! Happy return to school and routines :) Thank you for sharing!

      --jen

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    2. Jen-
      I love your forms! They have some much detail that my parents will really appreciate knowing about their students. One issue I have is that I have to enter my grades on schoology so the parents have access to that information before hand. It definitely does NOT paint the whole picture.
      Peggy :)
      PS- I LOVE YOUR OWLS!!!

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    3. Peggy--we don't have an online spot for parents to see their child's grades...yet! I definitely agree--there isn't a full picture. For my class, I photocopy the tests and have the parents sign it, but again, it doesn't fully show the child's progress. I guess that's why conferences are necessary :)

      Thanks for the quick reply and kind remarks! I really appreciate it :) Happy Sunday :)
      --jen

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  5. Love your designs and how engaging your record sheets and supplies needed are! roxydem58@gmail.com

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  6. Love your designs and how engaging your record sheets and supplies needed are! roxydem58@gmail.com

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