Our PTA is awesome and provides childcare. Otherwise, only one of us would go.

No dads go.

Both of us typically go, and this is true for many other families at our school. However, our aftercare program provides childcare, so that makes it a lot easier.

We both go if we can but do not sweat it if one of us has a conflict. At least one of us always shows up regardless of their ages/grades.

We both went for K.

After that, one of us goes.

Both of us go. PTA has popsicles in the gym for the kids.

Only one of us goes.

In our family, both parents have gone when

1. it is the first year at that particular school and/or
2. we had two children at the same school and had to divide and conquer (follow two kid's schedules/meet two kids teachers).

Otherwise, one of us has gone. Or in some years, neither of us b/c really, I don't think you get that much out of it, if you've been at the school for 3-4 years.

The way our school sets it up, one parent can cover for up to 2 kids. If you have more than 2 kids, you'll need both parents.

We are both going, but our kid is in K.

My sister could've watched our kids (1st and 3rd) but our school staggered the presentations so that you could attend each child's without having to choose. I went and my husband stayed home. Because ours are held in the classrooms, there really isn't enough room or seating if two people went for each child.

Anonymous wrote:Do you arrange for a sitter for back to school night so both parents can go? Or does one go and report back?

We have done both through the years. I like it better when both of us go as we see other people and re-establish connections. However, if we were unable to get a babysitter in the early years or one of us was traveling, we didn't sweat it. In MS/HS, we would split up so we could go to both DCs classes.

By going to BTSN, you show your child's teacher, school and your CHILD that you value education.

Of course, there are other ways to show you value education but it is ONE night a year scheduled for parents where you get to learn about your kid's day. I teach and it is demoralizing when few parents show up.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have one in n Arlington. I can pretty much picture it in advance. And I just threw up a little.

Why?

I find them terribly depressing - it does get repetitive - the teachers are usually good but just hearing all the platitudes and the questions from precious snowflake parents. The only reason to go is if your child will get a note. But that phases out around 3-4th grade.

I have kids in 1st and 4th. I have no desire to attend. However parents are asked to write a letter to their child at BTS. The letter is placed in your child's desk for them to see the following morning. If I didn't have to write the letter, I wouldn't go. I don't want my kid to be the only one without a letter the next next day.