WMS Parent Teacher Conf

[Anonymous]

New to WMS this year. I see the conferences are “arena style” so teachers for each grade are in certain rooms, cafeteria and gym.

What happens at the parent teacher conference?

I don’t see a sign up. Do parents just show up whenever and wait if a line to talk to teacher?

Would each teacher have around 130 kids? Do they have info to share behind what I can see on Canvas?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

You only go if there’s an issue to discuss. This isn’t like elementary where they tell you all the great things your kid is doing. You go with a specific concern.

[Anonymous]

Not the OP, but if the conferences are only for discussing issues/specific concerns, how is that even helpful in a 5 minute arena style setting? What can possibly be effectively discussed? I feel like I'm going to my child's PTCs at DHMS (also arena style) this week only for the face time, not because it will be specific to my kid. Does anyone know if teachers appreciate these conferences? Are they even comfortable in that setting giving out specific info; I assume everyone can hear what everyone is saying. We are having a huge problem in the 6th grade with gossip so I don't really get how this is more than checking a box that hey the teachers did what they are obligated to and hey the parents showed up and did what they are obligated to, everyone shake hands and go home...? What am I missing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP, but if the conferences are only for discussing issues/specific concerns, how is that even helpful in a 5 minute arena style setting? What can possibly be effectively discussed? I feel like I'm going to my child's PTCs at DHMS (also arena style) this week only for the face time, not because it will be specific to my kid. Does anyone know if teachers appreciate these conferences? Are they even comfortable in that setting giving out specific info; I assume everyone can hear what everyone is saying. We are having a huge problem in the 6th grade with gossip so I don't really get how this is more than checking a box that hey the teachers did what they are obligated to and hey the parents showed up and did what they are obligated to, everyone shake hands and go home...? What am I missing?

I was able to get answers from my kids teachers in that short time. eg. what's up with this first quiz and what can my kid do differently? They know your kids pretty well by this point. If its an issue that requires a longer discussion, you should have already contacted the teacher OR the teacher will arrange something further with you.

Your time to "shake hands" was at back to school night, and it takes time from parents that really need this time.

[Anonymous]

They’re utterly useless. If you have real concerns you should meet with the teacher another time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP, but if the conferences are only for discussing issues/specific concerns, how is that even helpful in a 5 minute arena style setting? What can possibly be effectively discussed? I feel like I'm going to my child's PTCs at DHMS (also arena style) this week only for the face time, not because it will be specific to my kid. Does anyone know if teachers appreciate these conferences? Are they even comfortable in that setting giving out specific info; I assume everyone can hear what everyone is saying. We are having a huge problem in the 6th grade with gossip so I don't really get how this is more than checking a box that hey the teachers did what they are obligated to and hey the parents showed up and did what they are obligated to, everyone shake hands and go home...? What am I missing?

I was able to get answers from my kids teachers in that short time. eg. what's up with this first quiz and what can my kid do differently? They know your kids pretty well by this point. If its an issue that requires a longer discussion, you should have already contacted the teacher OR the teacher will arrange something further with you.

Your time to "shake hands" was at back to school night, and it takes time from parents that really need this time.

The DHMS poster here, thank you this is helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They’re utterly useless.

Fact.