September 28, 2016
It has been great to see so many parents on 
campus for parent-teacher conferences. Ross and I were among you as well, sitting outside Mrs. Nagle’s classroom, anxiously awaiting our turn. I have been a teacher and administrator for more than 25 years and have taken part in hundreds of parent-teacher conferences. However, this was my first time as a parent in a conference about my child in the school I lead. As nervous as I was, I’m sure Mrs. Nagle was as well!
At MPA, both parents/guardians and teachers are united in a shared commitment that is focused on student growth, learning, and achievement. Families and teachers are parts of complimentary learning systems that place families as core partners in the learning process. Significant research exists that demonstrates that family involvement in education can lead to positive benefits for children and youth, such as increased school attendance, higher academic performance, enhanced social skills, and improved attitudes about school.
Family engagement at school does not happen in a vacuum. Rather, it takes the committed actions of both families and schools working together—through parent–teacher conferences as well as other forms of engagement—to support student success. Through this shared responsibility, schools reach out to and engage families in meaningful ways, and, similarly, families do their part to actively support their children’s learning and development.
The Harvard Graduate School of Education published a useful tool for effective parent-teacher conferences:
BE HEARD
Best intentions assumed
Emphasis on learning
Home–school collaboration
Examples and evidence
Active listening
Respect for all
Dedication to follow-up
On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, I want to thank the parent community for the wonderful show of appreciation in the Parents Association room this week. Teachers work hard to be their very best for their students during the day, be well prepared for meaningful conferences that are personalized for each student, and then engage in a constructive conversation with parents. The homemade cookies, treats, and soups are both delicious and much appreciated. Someone said to me that this week is “like going on a cruise. I can plan on gaining five pounds.” That said, the food not only sustains the body, but refreshes the spirit.
We are all incredibly grateful for the care and support of families. It means a great deal. Thank you for entrusting your children to Mounds Park Academy.
