Please know that a lot of what you hear at BTS Night (information and format) is dictated by administration. Yes, teachers have some flexibility during their presentation, but much of what we share has been provided to us by our administration (as in required).

From,

A Classroom Teacher

I agree with OP. Busy work. Here are the things teacher should be telling me:

1) homework -- how much in each subject each night?, how can I help (or not) with child's homework? how many reading groups are there likely to be? how many math groups? (I realize assessment is not finished.) What is the homework assignment routine in class? What does my DC do if they forget to write down homework or bring the worksheet home (look on website, come in early to do, etc.) what regular homework is there (weekly spelling, math facts, logging reading, etc.) What should DC and/or parent do if there is a problem w/ homework and they really don't understand/can't do it?

2) nightly reading -- how much? where can parents look for guidance and ideas on what to read at the appropriate reading level (lexile, MAP-R RIT scores, etc.)

3) long term projects -- how many, how much structure/internal deadlines will these have? what are some of the topics? (big writing project, country research, etc.)

4) communication -- how will teacher communicate with parents about academics (newsletter? website?), how can parents communicate with teacher if there is a problem (email? phone call?).

5) Classroom/Social issues -- there should definitely be time to see other parents, start a class contact info list (since phone directories take awhile to come out), volunteer for things/room parents, etc.

Good teachers spend there BTSN time doing real things that help orient the parents. IME, a lot of unproductive busy work happens at BTSN.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No one answer why someone should go to BTS night. I find them to be a waste. Most of the information could be distribute via email and other than seeing the teacher, where you kid sits and the classroom that is it. It is more like a tour and I really find them to be a waste but I go.

Is this true? DC just started K in N. Arlington and I was debating whether or not to go to BTS night. Do parents typically bring their kids? I have no babysitter so I'll have to bring them if I go.

At our elementary school, they specifically say that you cannot bring your kids.

However, the BarT offers care for people who need it. Does your school have an aftercare provider? Check with them.

I go to see friends I haven't been able to see over the summer and meet new poeple

Anonymous wrote:No one answer why someone should go to BTS night. I find them to be a waste. Most of the information could be distribute via email and other than seeing the teacher, where you kid sits and the classroom that is it. It is more like a tour and I really find them to be a waste but I go.

Is this true? DC just started K in N. Arlington and I was debating whether or not to go to BTS night. Do parents typically bring their kids? I have no babysitter so I'll have to bring them if I go.

Anonymous wrote:No one answer why someone should go to BTS night. I find them to be a waste. Most of the information could be distribute via email and other than seeing the teacher, where you kid sits and the classroom that is it. It is more like a tour and I really find them to be a waste but I go.

I go mainly to meet the families of my kids classmates, at least be able to put a face to name of the teacher, have a conversation with my kids about the classroom and meeting families of their friends, read their letter to me (or us writing a letter to them to read), hear broad themes (I.e. new homework policy, new curriculum) etc, and get specific teacher rules I.e. some teachers prefer notes to emails. I want the teacher to get the impression we are going to be involved in our child's education. Also, if I remember correctly get the more convenient slots for the parent teacher conference.

You are right though on terms of not really getting any in depth information on sweeping educational changes. Yes, it would be helpful to have an in-depth on the grading system alone (see all thread on what does an "I" mean at the end of the year). Maybe put pressure on the PTA to get presentations on those things before the first parent teacher conference rolls around. You won't have time to ask those types of questions at the 15 minute parent teacher conference if you want to have time to talk about your child.

Anonymous wrote:Are you new to public schools? Back to School night is a super quick synopsis. Teachers can't interact - they have too many darn kids and parents.

You get ONE 8-10min conference in November. It is like speed dating. Quick and impersonable and you are on the clock. After that they don't give two craps to meet with you for the rest of the year.

You have to schedule appointments just to see tests because they are too lazy to redo them the next year and have your kids actually go home with them and you look over and work on them together. Doesn't happen. Once the test is over, they don't care about improving it. What is done is done.

If you are upset about BTS night you will be in for a shock the rest of the year.

I would agree with everything but the teachers being wiling to meet. Just remember that you are your child's advocate so it is expected that you would initiate the meeting if you have concerns.

No one answer why someone should go to BTS night. I find them to be a waste. Most of the information could be distribute via email and other than seeing the teacher, where you kid sits and the classroom that is it. It is more like a tour and I really find them to be a waste but I go.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you new to public schools? Back to School night is a super quick synopsis. Teachers can't interact - they have too many darn kids and parents.

You get ONE 8-10min conference in November. It is like speed dating. Quick and impersonable and you are on the clock. After that they don't give two craps to meet with you for the rest of the year.

You have to schedule appointments just to see tests because they are too lazy to redo them the next year and have your kids actually go home with them and you look over and work on them together. Doesn't happen. Once the test is over, they don't care about improving it. What is done is done.

If you are upset about BTS night you will be in for a shock the rest of the year.

What school are you talking about? That has not been my experience in MCPS at all. The teachers have been very responsive, both via e-mail and in person.

Me too. I have always been able to meet with teachers or email with no hesitation on the teacher's part.

Anonymous wrote:Are you new to public schools? Back to School night is a super quick synopsis. Teachers can't interact - they have too many darn kids and parents.

You get ONE 8-10min conference in November. It is like speed dating. Quick and impersonable and you are on the clock. After that they don't give two craps to meet with you for the rest of the year.

You have to schedule appointments just to see tests because they are too lazy to redo them the next year and have your kids actually go home with them and you look over and work on them together. Doesn't happen. Once the test is over, they don't care about improving it. What is done is done.

If you are upset about BTS night you will be in for a shock the rest of the year.

What school are you talking about? That has not been my experience in MCPS at all. The teachers have been very responsive, both via e-mail and in person.

Are you new to public schools? Back to School night is a super quick synopsis. Teachers can't interact - they have too many darn kids and parents.

You get ONE 8-10min conference in November. It is like speed dating. Quick and impersonable and you are on the clock. After that they don't give two craps to meet with you for the rest of the year.

You have to schedule appointments just to see tests because they are too lazy to redo them the next year and have your kids actually go home with them and you look over and work on them together. Doesn't happen. Once the test is over, they don't care about improving it. What is done is done.

If you are upset about BTS night you will be in for a shock the rest of the year.

All of the teachers at our MoCo school would be happy to schedule a time to discuss an individual child's needs, and they will respond to emails and phone calls. Really, they are more available and willing to help outside working hours than most other professionals I know.

Teachers don't really have a ton of time to talk with parents at length on back to school night. That's just how it goes-- no ruse. Just email the teacher and schedule a time to talk. No biggie. I think you have unrealistic expectations.

Seriously?

We don't have a separate curriculum night, and the stuff online tends to be very general. I do think at least 50% of it is to see the teacher, find out contact info. etc. I didn't even introduce myself this year because there were 20+ parents there, so trying to have extended conversations and there wasn't really time.