Conference Part Deux...Where Do We Go From Here?

Friday was the second round of report card conferences; the last set of the year barring any serious downturns in academic progress by individual students.  It's sort of nice to have them done (except two that needed to be rescheduled for this week).  I feel like the parents have a better idea of what/how their children are doing in class.  To me, the first report card conferences are kind of a wash, because unless you have a kiddo with serious behavior and/or academic issues, there isn't a whole lot to report.

Now before you get upset, here's what I mean:  First quarter, for the most part, is pretty much review of what students have learned in the previous year.  In my school, the first two weeks are used to establish routines and give diagnostic testing like DIBELS and Guided Reading Levels. (The upper grades also have their own form of standardized test practice/assessments.) Then we have our own grade-level testing (math prowess, sight word recognition, etc.).  Only in the third week do we really get into working (without interruptions).  By then, one-third of the quarter is nearly gone.  Then you review all of the things your students learned in the previous grade for another two or so weeks.  Then, and only then, do you get into the skills that help define your grade level.  By then, it's time to start gathering together the report cards and accompanying sheets for conferences.

To me, second quarter is a better indication of how a student is going to do for the rest of the year.  By the time second quarter is over, you have gotten into the "meat and potatoes" of grade-level skills and the students are working more independently.  You can really begin to see what your students are capable of.  Does that mean that you've sat back and took it easy first quarter?  Not at all.  If you teach small (K-2) children, you know that a lot of that time during the first quarter is spent trying to make them less dependent on you.  Sure, you do a lot of hands-on, helicopter-type teaching and you go step-by-step with them through most things, but by the time the second half of second quarter rolls around, you realize they can do more things on their own.  They are reading directions for themselves.  They can write more than a few words for responses.  They're starting to develop those critical thinking skills.  Their attention spans are longer than three to five minutes.  They know where the free time (i.e. "I'm done.  What can I do now?") materials are--and use them appropriately.  You can see their growth and are excited for what the future quarters hold (because you already know the projects and things you have planned for them, now that they have matured a bit and can handle the task at hand.)

In my conferences, I always give a newsletter that highlights what we will be covering in the next quarter.  (If you're new to the blog, check out this link and this link for examples.) This quarter will see my students doing two research reports: one on Black History and the other on animals.  These are not projects I would have attempted earlier in the year; the skills just weren't there.

I can't wait to see what happens!

Day 96: Thawing Out

No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. I have been snowed in.  As predicted, the snow came through and the ice followed.  We had two snow days and returned to school today--just in enough time for report card conferences.  My students have officially had the shortest academic week of the year: two whole days. 

These past days have brought the snow day total to three so far this year.  We've had quite a few delays, but there isn't a limit on those.  I think we have reached our allotted snow days for the year now, although we might have one to spare for the remainder of winter. 

Although, I could be the folks in a picture sent to me earlier today.  The interstate was plowed but it was flanked on each side by what looked like 10 to 15 feet of snow.  I'm not sure where it was, but I'm thankful I'm not there!

Tomorrow is report card conferences for the second quarter.  Report cards went home this afternoon. (Very pleased they did not have to be given at conferences again this time.  They were supposed to go home Tuesday, but we know what happened there.  Anyhow, I speak with parents tomorrow.)

Tomorrow is also Wear Red day or Go Red for Women Day.  You are supposed to wear red to support those who have heart disease and other heart-related conditions.  I usually wear red on this day, but I really try not to wear red on a day when a parent may want to argue with me over a child's report card.  (Not that I'm expecting that to happen, but I've had some situations in the past!)  It's sort of like waving a red flag in front of an angry bull. I usually try to wear soothing colors like pastels or shades of blue or green.  I know, I know.  I may be thinking too much into it.  What do you think? 

So I'm off to get ready.  I need to iron my clothes, eat dinner, and relax for just a minute.  (I was at school today until 6 preparing for tomorrow.  Then I had to run to Target to pick up treats for the candy basket.  Then I went over my own children's report cards with them before we took my youngest to his Nana's for the night.  (She's watching him while I'm doing conferences and my husband is working.)  My oldest has a regular day of school tomorrow; middle school doesn't have conferences.

Ah well.  My pizza is calling.  More to come tomorrow!

Day 95: Report Cards...On Ice?

Report cards go home tomorrow.  Which is sort of great because then they (and all of the accompanying pieces*) will be out of my hands and I can relax until the end of the quarter.  Not so great is that fact that the local weathermen are calling for another winter storm.  We are supposed to get several inches of snow tonight, which is then supposed to be topped off by about an inch of freezing rain at some point during the day.  And if that isn't enough, the rain/snow/icy wintry mix is supposed to slow down and then reappear with a vengeance tomorrow into Wednesday.  Which means that, while we are finally caught up with our work, we may just be pushed back again because of the weather. That also means that depending on what happens, these report cards may not be leaving me for another day or two. Ugh.

*Oh yeah.  Those extra pieces.  I had my report cards in front of me this evening because I like to arrange them in the order I will meet parents during conferences.  I also like to have an extra copy of everything that goes into the envelope in case there is a question about anything.  (Call me obsessive, but I like to be ready and there is just no way I can remember every single detail about every child.)  In the envelopes (this time) I am to put the following: the report card, the comment form, the math checklist for the quarter, the most recent Guided Reading/DIBELS results, and a health sheet from the nurse.  All in a regular business-sized envelope.  Oh, and the students who have IEPs, 504s, or GIEPs (gifted) have extra documentation.  Some of these children take home two envelopes.  I actually toyed with the idea of putting in my quarterly newsletter, but I think I may burst the seams of the envelope.  I think I'll just save those until Friday.

Let's all hope for a quick thaw.

Day 94: Report Cards--Again!

Oh, it's that time of year again.  The time when most teachers are scrambling to get their report cards finished.  If you are hyper-organized and already have yours done, I applaud you, I envy you, but this post is not for you.  For the rest of us who are pretty organized to somewhat organized to "Organization?"; this post is for us.  (Nothing against you hyper-organized folks, but we just can't breathe the same air as you. We aren't worthy.)

That said...

I neglected to post last night (Thursday, January 27) because I was working on those blasted report cards.  I had a meeting with my assistant principal the other day and she was asking how things were going.  I made a comment that things will be fantastic once these report cards are finished.  She agreed with me, as she had a taste of them at the end of the first marking period; she was covering for a colleague.  (One of my colleagues was out on extended leave with a spouse who was battling cancer.)  I asked her when the report cards were going to be redone.  (These were supposed to have been redone quite a few years ago.)  Or at least made digital for the elementaries (middle and high schools already have this capability).  She had no idea when.  So until then, we are forced to work with these unclear, unusable report cards that most people don't understand anyway.

I can't wait to have the report cards updated.  The process of getting report cards done should be so much easier.  (I say, "should," because we know how things sometimes get done.) I can only wait and hope.

I'm curious.  What are report cards like in your districts?  Do you still use the carbon paper like I do?  Are they as confusing or--gasp!--worse?  Or are you fortunate enough to have a district that has joined the digital age (in all grade levels) and do yours online?  Share, won't you?

Well, it is that time again.  I feel like the guy on the donuts commercial: "Time to make the doughnuts."  I have as much enthusiasm, too.  Somebody save me!  (Or at least recommend a good chocolate or pastry...)

Conferences

Yesterday was report card conferences.  I was here from 8:00 until 4:15.  (Some of my conferences went over, despite the fact that I use a timer to try and stay on track.  Really, 10 minutes to give the report card--which parents are seeing for the first time--and go over all of your concerns, parents concerns, and any additional questions?!?!)  I stayed on track as best I could. 

Suggestion to all of you who may not already do this:  Bring a drink!  Preferably a warm one to keep your throat from getting scratchy (or at least lesson the effect!).  Here's my tea in one of those cups I posted about a few weeks back when I was battling my cold.


Vanilla Caramel tea.  My favorite!

Once I had the beverage situation taken care of, I set up my table with the report cards, my schedule, a timer, a pen and note card for jotting down things, and my newsletter.  (Couldn't get this one to attach to anything, so I took a pic of it.)  The newsletter just tells parents what we will be working on throughout the quarter so they can have a heads up.  As a parent myself, I like these because if I know my child has problems with fractions, and fractions are going to be covered, I can at least preview some material with him. Under Language Arts, I include subcategories for grammar, comprehension, phonics, and writing skills.

Second quarter newsletter

While parents are waiting, I have a space outside in the hallway where they can sit in adult-sized chairs.  The plastic green basket is holding note cards and markers so parents can write a little note to their child while they wait.  On the table are more of my donation cards with requests for foaming hand soap, paper towels, and tissue with lotion.  The dark green wire basket has candy in it, while the light green basket on the floor had children's books in it.  (Sometimes parents bring along their children, so the books keep the kiddos occupied while the parents are in meeting with me.) 

A comfy space to wait

Overall, the day went well.  I was just tired from talking all day long.  And by bedtime, my throat was feeling a little scratchy.  It felt much better this morning.

If you haven't had your conferences yet, you might want to try a few of these ideas.  Or if you've already had your conferences, you might want to try a few for next time around.  AND, if you have any neat additions I can post for others to see, please send them in via the comment link below. 

Looking forward to your ideas! 

Day 49: Preparation for Conferences

Tomorrow my day begins with my first conference at 8:15 a.m.  Conferences are done in 10-minute increments, with five minutes between each conference.  For example, my 8:15 will go until 8:25, then I will have five minutes until the next one.  Hypothetically. I usually just go straight through.  I will finish sometime around 3:30, with an hour lunch break in the middle of the day. (And some strategically placed restroom breaks!  It's hard to give a report if your bladder's full, you know?)

To prepare for conferences, I have the report card ready (of course), but I take some extra measures as well.

I always have a newsletter available for the parents to have for reference.  The newsletter lists the skills we will be covering by subject for the upcoming quarter.  That way, if parents see something they know their child may have trouble with (like fractions), they can preview the skill with their child before we get to that lesson or unit.

I also have the following outside my door in the hallway: (I forgot to take a picture in the rush to leave today; I will post it tomorrow.)
**A student-sized desk or table to use for display.
**Two adult-sized chairs for waiting parents.
**A basket of note cards and markers so parents can leave a little note for their child while they wait.  I then put those notes on the desks of the children before they come in the next school day.
**A basket of treats.  Usually this is chocolates; tomorrow will be butterscotch or Jolly Ranchers.  (My room is nut free, remember?)  Tip: Put in a bit at a time and replenish throughout the day.  I learned that one the hard way my first conference.  Seems that while I was talking with Mom and Dad, little ones were filling their pockets!
**A basket under the desk or table filled with books for children to read while they wait.  Clearly labeled with my name, of course!
**A spread of "donation" reminders.  (Remember my giraffe cards from Parent Night?)
**An art portfolio of student artwork from the art teacher.  (At the beginning of the year, some of the projects get ruined because the students aren't careful with them.  I put them in a little folder and hand them off to the parents during conferences so they make it home in one piece.

Well, off to prepare my clothes and myself for tomorrow.  See you on the other side.

Day 48: Light at the End of the Tunnel

I'm almost there!  Just a few more entries on a sheet and I will be finished with report cards!  This weekend saw me getting some work done, but with my husband away for a church conference from Friday morning to Sunday evening, I didn't finish quite as much as I wanted. 

Grades are in, comments are finished, math checklists are done.  All I need to do is fill in the actual letter grades and attendance sections. 

Life is looking good.