We had our Nimitz Open House last week, and I was very pleased with the results. Each homeroom class saw from 8 to 12 of their student’s families visit the classroom. Parents had the opportunity to see samples of student work and projects, touch base with the teacher, and even get clarification about assignments and teaching methods. I looked into one math classroom and saw the teacher actually demonstrating a lesson to a small group of parents.
Earlier in the evening, we offered parent information sessions. Approximately 150 moms and dads participated in the sessions which featured members of our own KISD staff as well as speakers that were invited from outside community organizations. These presenters provided the opportunity to hear and discuss information that can help parents to be more effective, and be aware of resources in our community that can provide care, entertainment, and direction to us as we raise our children.
I had the pleasure of hosting a session, too. Mine was an open conversation that allowed parents to discuss what was on their mind in regard to being a parent. We discussed things like expecting the most from your kids, test anxiety, and friendship, but the issue that was discussed the longest had to do with communication between parents and teachers. Some of the parents in attendance felt like responses to their e-mails and/or voicemails to teachers are not always answered in a timely manner.
There are a couple of reasons why this might happen. Most of the teachers’ work day is spent instructing the children. When they are not with the students they are in meetings . . . a lot of meetings. They are involved in meetings with teachers from other campuses who teach the same subject and grade level. They are in faculty meetings at this campus. They meet in grade level teams for lesson planning. Each Monday, they meet with campus administrators to develop plans to assist struggling students. There are also meetings with parents that take place.
The second reason you may not get a quick response comes from the fact that teachers have a large number of administrative tasks to complete. There are papers to grade, instructional materials to prepare, and grades to enter. And they do answer phone calls and e-mails.
My advice to the parents I met with on Monday night was to be persistent. If you have an important concern, and you do not get a timely response, stay with it. Although everything written above may be interpreted as “don’t bother the teachers,” I would rather you understand that being respectfully persistent may be necessary to get the response you need.
If there is ever any information you need to share or a question that needs an immediate answer, please don’t hesitate to call me. I can help.













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