Anonymous wrote:
Upcoming orientation next Thurs from 8-12pm, there is a parent itinerary for the entire time. Is this really necessary for parents?

There are other things I need to get done during this time so would prefer not to attend but would make the effort if it's worthwhile....thanks for any input!

Did you go?

Stop debating, just go. - 2024 parent

Class of 2026 parent. I would definitely recommend going. Parents have a general assembly--the panels and presentations were well done. Then parents break up into smaller advisory groups for conversations with core teachers and their student's counselor. The presentation from the counselor was very helpful. They talked a lot about how to support your student, the different approaches, and had fantastic advice. Afterwards, a lot of parents asked scheduling and course questions. It's a good place to get answer or just listen to other people's questions.

We also met a few parents that ended up being very helpful. The student panel, where they interview soph, jrs about their first year was helpful. As were some of the resources for stress management, etc.

That said, if you can't go, see if you can get notes from another parent.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:how to make best use of parents' time during this orientation?

There will be programming for you for the entire time you are there. Listen carefully to all of the presentations, go visit all of the group tables in GYM II, and meet your fellow parents while you’re there.

TJ is not an experience that is best had alone. Get involved.

+1
My sense was people are eager to be helpful and there is a lot you can learn from other parents.

Anonymous wrote:Do parents get to meet the assigned student counselor?

In general, is it OK for parent to communicate with counselor to discuss course planning and changes, or does it have to go through the student once school starts?

By far the best course of action is for you to allow your student to take ownership of their academic experience at TJ. Demand simultaneously that you child keep you informed as to what is going on with their course selections and also that they take care of their own needs and do their own research and have their own meeting and conversations.

Anonymous wrote:how to make best use of parents' time during this orientation?

There will be programming for you for the entire time you are there. Listen carefully to all of the presentations, go visit all of the group tables in GYM II, and meet your fellow parents while you’re there.

TJ is not an experience that is best had alone. Get involved.

Can you just watch this on YouTube?

Anonymous wrote:Do parents get to meet the assigned student counselor?

In general, is it OK for parent to communicate with counselor to discuss course planning and changes, or does it have to go through the student once school starts?

Are you going to meet with your child College advisor in a few years? If the answer is no, and I can tell you the answer is no because the College Advisor is not allowed to discuss your adult child's activities, then I would say let your child work with the Counselor. Discuss classes and options with your child but let them learn how to advocate for themselves. Be there to step in if your child is struggling, but let them take the lead.

how to make best use of parents' time during this orientation?

Do parents get to meet the assigned student counselor?

In general, is it OK for parent to communicate with counselor to discuss course planning and changes, or does it have to go through the student once school starts?

Put it this way - your student absolutely needs to be there, like cancel their other plans as necessary.

You as a parent… don’t miss it unless it’s absolutely unavoidable.

Anonymous wrote:'25 Parent - I found it helpful. Great way to see the school and meet some of the staff. If you can't ...you should at least make sure your student can go and meet their classmates.

Same.
Parent to a class of 2026 kid. I was glad I went to it.

'25 Parent - I found it helpful. Great way to see the school and meet some of the staff. If you can't ...you should at least make sure your student can go and meet their classmates.

Upcoming orientation next Thurs from 8-12pm, there is a parent itinerary for the entire time. Is this really necessary for parents?

There are other things I need to get done during this time so would prefer not to attend but would make the effort if it's worthwhile....thanks for any input!