Parent Night

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Parent Night
By MNTeacher2

We have our "Parent Orientation" during the second week of school. We start at 7 p.m. and usually end by 8:30 p.m. This is a meeting just for parents, so kids do not attend. Teachers only stay for the classroom sessions
(7-8), and we don't need to attend the principal's meeting at 8:00 :-).

The first two sessions are in the classrooms: 7-7:25 and then the same presentation at 7:30-7:55. A mom and a dad with more than 1 child in the school can attend different sessions. It would be hard for a single parent with more than 2 children to visit each classroom! The meeting where the principal, PTF,

and other committes talk starts at 8:00 pm. and usually lasts a half hour (Sometimes PTF is long-winded on their presentation).

The Parent Orentation is for all grade levels K-8 (a private school). Attendance for my grade (grade 2 for six years) has been high. I've heard that the turn-out is lower in the higher grade. Usually only 2-3 parents do not come for my grade, due to work schedules or family obligations. It is more likely that parents will not attend the Principals meeting, especially if their child has been enrolled for a few years! I've suggested collecting car keys until the end of the evening :-) LOL

During the orientation, teachers discuss classroom/school expectations, sometimes new information in the handbook, curriculum goals, expectations, grading procedures and studies, home/school communications, parent volunteer opportunities, etc. It's basically a time for teachers and parents to "get on the same page" for the year and gain their support as a team to teach their child.