Curriculum Night
Curriculum Night is an evening for parents to learn what their child will learn in their school classes. In addition to information on what will be taught to the students, teachers will also provide information on their classroom policies and procedures. Curriculum Night is a great way for parents to learn what they can do to support their child throughout the school year.
Curriculum Night is usually held in September in all Issaquah School District schools. Go early since the parking lots are full, and you may need to find parking. The presentations start and end on schedule, so it is important to be on time to get the most out of the evening.
Parents are welcome to ask questions to clarify what the students will be learning, classroom policies or procedures questions, or general questions that impact the whole class. Due to time constraints, Curriculum Night is not the time for families to have a one-on-one conversation about their child’s progress with the teacher.
Teachers will share their contact information and the best way to communicate with them regarding student progress, academics, or behavior. Families should email a teacher and request a meeting if they have specific questions about their child’s progress. Meetings can be done in person, via a phone call, or over Zoom. Interpreters are available at no charge to families. Parents should let the teacher know if they want an interpreter present at the meeting.
Examples of possible questions to ask (if the teacher does not address them in the presentation):
o What book will my child be using? Is there an online version of the book?
o How often can a child retake a test?
o What percent of the final grade depends on tests or projects?
o What are some tips for students to better learn this subject matter?
Questions to AVOID at curriculum night:
o How is my child doing? How is my child behaving?
o My child has a hard time turning in work What can I do to support them?
School principals may also share some important announcements and information to all the parents attending Curriculum Night. Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) leaders and volunteers are in attendance to welcome families and invite them to join the association.
Elementary School Curriculum Night
All families will go to the classroom teacher’s room. Often, the parent will sit at the student’s desk. Teachers provide information about curriculum, daily schedules, weekly schedules (when students will go to PE, Library, and Music), reading, writing and math information, opportunities for parent involvement, volunteer opportunities, and important upcoming dates (i.e., field trips or other special dates if applicable). The PE, Music, and Library teachers will not have a separate presentation. If students are in Special Education or MLL (English Language Learner program), please ask that teacher if they will be available to meet on Curriculum Night before the regular program begins.
Teachers will often share classroom resources such as school apps, or books students are using to learn. (Reminder – elementary students only have textbooks for math class).
Curriculum Night is also a great time to visit the classroom. Elementary school families have an opportunity to meet families of other students in the class.
Middle and High School Curriculum Night
The families of middle and high school students follow their child’s schedule, meaning they will move from classroom period one to the last period of the day. Families will spend approximately 10-15 minutes in each classroom listening to each teacher’s presentation.
For middle and high school families, it is a great time to learn more about
o Homework policies – how often, expectations, grading information, and late work policies.
o Testing/Assessments – how often, grading information, and retake of tests (if applicable)
o Communication – how teachers communicate with families, office hours for students
o Other information – important dates, Canvas, how to contact the teacher
