Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are a great opportunity for parents and guardians to help the teacher get to know their child even better.

MILLARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Parent-teacher conferences build relationships between home, school

MARJIE DUCEY

World-Herald Staff Writer

Don’t be worried about that first parentteacher conference, says Heather Phipps, associate superintendent for education services for Millard Public Schools.

It’s a good opportunity to build a relationship between home and school.

“I think that relationship is key,” she said. “Parents reaching out and teachers reaching out. That two-way dialogue just makes a better experience for children.”

Most schools schedule them at the end of the first term or quarter, which is usually in October. That gives teachers some time to find out if Johnnie or Susy is reading at grade level, how they are doing in their other classes and how they are interacting with friends.

Parents and guardians can use their time at the conference to help the teacher get to know their child even better.

“What the child is interested in outside school. What they are passionate about. How do they learn?” Phipps said.

Parents have a lot of information about what is going on at school that they don’t even realize they have based on what the child says at home, she said. They know what their kids like the most.

They can tell the teacher what their child says about school, and whether they are happy or frustrated.

“I think parents sharing that kind of information about school helps the teacher better understand the child’s experience at school,” Phipps said.

Time is often limited at the conferences, so some schools are adding more options like Zoom sessions. But whatever time you have, it’s a good idea to come with a list of things you’d like to mention to the teacher.

One thing you should always ask about at the younger levels, Phipps said, is how your child is doing in math and reading. “Having your children get off to a good start in those two areas are critical,” she said. “Ask as a parent how you can support that work at home. What are some things parents can do at home to help math and reading? Those are always good questions to ask.”

Phipps also reminds parents that they don’t have to wait until conferences if there are issues they need to discuss. Contact teachers immediately.

“There are lots of teachers having lots of conversations right now,” she said. “If something is not going well, or there is something they want the teacher to know, parents and teachers are having ongoing conversations.”

Heather Phipps