When are conferences?
Conferences are held three times per year (once per term.) In the fall term, we would like to have a conference for every student. In the winter and spring terms, conferences are by request – either by staff, parents, or student.
How are they scheduled?
Families choose several times that work best for them, using the response form at the bottom of the page. The schedule is updated as the slots fill up.
How long do conferences last?
Each conference can only last 25 minutes. Please don’t be offended by our timekeeping, as we need to be respectful of the appointments following yours. If you need more than 25 minutes, please schedule a time to meet with teachers outside of conference week.
How does it work?
All teachers meet with parents/guardians at one time, whenever this is possible. This enables us to get the “big picture” of a student’s experience and progress at LWGMS.
What happens if one of the teachers isn’t there?
Occasionally, a teacher may not be able to make every conference. In that case, the other teachers and your student’s advisor will convey and relay information in her place during the scheduled conference. In addition, you are encouraged to have a phone or in-person conference with the teacher at another time.
Should students attend, or just parents/guardians?
In some cases, students attend. This is generally at the discretion of each family. Sometimes, the staff will specifically request a student to be present (and occasionally the opposite is true). If there are other important people who are involved in the student’s academic life (tutors, grandparents, etc.), they are also welcome to attend.
Do all parents, guardians, and involved adults need to attend the conference at one time?
We prefer that we have one conference slot per student and that all adults who need to be present attend the same conference. If this is not possible for you, please contact Patti to make other arrangements.
In order to help focus your thoughts, please think about the following questions:
1) What is your sense of how your student is managing the homework and classwork so far this year?
2) What do you think is your student’s biggest challenge? Her greatest strength?
3) Are there specific things we could be doing to make the schoolwork more relevant? More easily understood? What do we need to know to help your student succeed?
4) Do you have any other feedback or questions for us?
If you would like to help us focus the direction of the conference, please send us a note (written or email) beforehand. We are looking forward to meeting with you!
—- LWGMS Staff