It's Time to Meet the Parents

Back to School Night (Already?)

 You more than likely have heard the trite phrase “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Nowhere is this truism more important that at your school’s Back to School, Parent Open House or Curriculum Night. It doesn’t seem fair that the school year may have only started a week or two ago. You hardly know the names of your students or their capabilities, and now you are being asked to put yourself on display for parents. Having cooperative parents on your side will go a long way for both you and your students to have a successful and productive school year.

Here are a few tips that will hopeful help to you have a great Back to School Night experience.

·          Be sure to dress appropriately

·         Be enthusiastic

·         Have your students  make name tags for their parents

·         Have parents introduce themselves

·         Prepare a PowerPoint with an outline of your goals for the year

·         Have copies  of the texts you are using available for parents to  see

·          Provide parents with your school email so that you can communicate  with them throughout the year

·         Review classroom procedures, homework and discipline policies

·         Recruit parents for room mothers and field trip chaperones

·         Inform parents of your conference schedule and make yourself available

·         Share the names and locations of other school staff members – like the nurse, guidance counselor, reading specialist, etc.

·         Provide parents with a calendar of important upcoming school events ( fund raisers, holiday celebrations, term paper due dates, etc)

·         Don’t forget to smile J

I would like to recommend a book that you might find useful.  “Parents on Your Side: A Teacher’s Guide to Creating Positive Relationships with Parents” by Lee Canter is a helpful resources with strategies and suggestions for successfully obtaining the parental support that you will need to have a great school year. The book as well an accompanying workbook is available at Amazon.com and other booksellers.

As always your comments and suggestions are welcome.