Parent teacher conferences have began on on Wed., Oct.15th. Teachers and students help parents sign in and find their child’s advisement class for the conference. “We escort parents if they do not know where they are going because of the school’s new construction,” Junior, Brandon Ar Arqe said.
By SUNČANA PAVLIĆ – Viewpoints Staff
Fall parent teacher conferences began on Wed., Oct. 15 and end on Fri., Oct. 17. This year, the administration and staff prioritized increasing parent turnout.
“We have increased the percentage of parents coming to the conference maybe from the 80s to possibly 90 percent which is great. I give all the credit to the teachers working hard to make those conferences happen,” Family Engagement Specialist Kathy Erickson said.
Parent teacher conferences give students and parents the opportunity to discuss the various academic topics, but some students do not see the importance in attending.
“I do not go to my conference because I’m almost always doing well in school and never have any attendance issues. Also, there is nothing for my advisor to say,” senior Guillermo Zapata said.
During these fall conferences, teachers looked to update student and parental information as well as stress the importance of monitoring grade reports.
“We love to touch base with our parents in general, but this (parent teacher conferences) is geared especially to touch base with grades,” Erickson said. “Also we want to make sure to update our student summary information: the demographics, emergency numbers because it changes all too often, so we do that very quickly at our conferences.”
While the conferences are billed as “parent-teacher” conferences, the student is encouraged to go in order to discuss grades, classes, behaviors and future plans.
“If somebody is having a conversation about you, your voice should be a part. This is your high school experience,” associate principal Marie Yuran said. “You are responsible for what’s happening in the classroom and outside of the classroom.”
