MAKE THE MOST OF IT…

BEFORE THE CONFERENCES…

	GET ORGANIZED. It is hard to remember every issue or questions you might have. Make a folder, keep tests, reports and notes you jot down as you go through your child’s book bag each night. Compile a list of questions.
	TALK TO YOUR CHILD. Ask your child if there are any issues he or she wants you to bring up with the teacher.

DURING THE CONFERENCES…

	BE ON TIME. Appointments will be set up for grades K,1 and 2. Grades 3, 4, and 5 will have sign-in sheets outside each classroom. Conference slots are short . It is important for teachers to stay on schedule in order to have time to meet with every parent.
	DON’T SPEND ALL YOUR TIME TALKING ABOUT TEST SCORES. Use the time to find out how your child reacts to challenges, behaves in class, and has adapted to their school day schedule. Ask if they are quiet or vocal.
	SELECT A WAY TO COMMUNICATE. Determine how you’ll keep in touch with the teacher. It might be via email, a phone call at home or work, or a note in your child’s back pack.
	BE RESPECTFUL. All questions are OK as long as they are respectful. Parents should not be on the defensive. Parent communication is a very important part of a child’s education.

AFTER THE CONFERENCES…

	SET ANOTHER CONFERENCE. It is not always necessary, but if you feel you didn’t have enough time to cover your concerns, set a time to get together again.
	TALK TO YOUR CHILD. Tell your child what went on during the meeting. Discuss the information you learned.

 
TOGETHER THE TEACHER, CHILD AND PARENT CAN ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR.
 

An incredible "HOMEWORK HELP" Resource made available by the New York Public Library, with the assistance of the Brooklyn and Queens Public Libraries. click on the link below:

 

There are sections for students, parents and teachers. The topics include:

• Go online with an expert tutor. (Available in English and Spanish)
• E-mail, phone or chat with a live librarian. (Available in English and Spanish)
• Dial-A-Teacher: Get help over the phone with math, Reading, Writing and Science homework. (Available in English, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, French, Haitian-Creole, Greek, Hebrew, Korean and Russian)