Sept/Oct 2024

Message from the Principal:

We are on the home stretch of the first quarter. It is great to see the strong academic and personal connections our students and staff have made as we approach benchmark season and fall break.

Fall Parent/Teacher conferences are right around the corner. Conferences will be held on Thursday, September 12th and Friday, September 13th. Conferences provide an excellent opportunity to discuss and examine your child’s academic growth and efforts. I’ve provided a list of ideas to help make the most of your child’s conference.

The most beneficial conferences are those in which both teachers and parents work together for one purpose: to help your child be successful in school. Teachers will be prepared with academic information on your children and with ideas to help. Talk with your child before conferences to find out how he/she feels he/she is doing in school and why. Encourage your child to attend conferences as being an active member in the process helps create ownership and meaning.

Please use this time to listen and ask questions. How is my child performing in class? Is he or she working up to his or her ability? Does my child participate in class discussions and activities? How has my child performed on assessments? Do you have any specific suggestions on ways to help my child do better? If the teachers say something you don’t quite understand, don’t be shy about asking for clarification. It is a good idea to end the conference by summing up decisions you have made together. If more time is needed, ask to meet again.

After conferences, discuss the plan with your child. Make sure he or she knows that you and the teachers care, and that we are all in this together. To see if the plan is working, watch your child’s behavior and check your child’s class work. Stay in regular touch with teachers to discuss the progress your child is making. Meeting and working with your child’s teachers will help build strong parent-teacher partnerships. These partnerships are critical in our common goal of ensuring a successful educational experience.

As always, thank you for your partnership as we provide our students with a positive and rewarding experience at Desert Sky Middle School.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Marsh

Principal