Dear Newport Schools Parents, Families, and Staff:
Communication and updates are an important part of staying on top of what is happening at your child’s school. Being involved in committees and monitoring closely your child’s attendance every day at school is important. Getting to know your child’s teacher(s) is a big step in helping your child with academic success.
We are a little over two weeks away from parent/family-teacher conferences at all of our schools on Tuesday, November 5th from noon to 5:00pm. There will be no school for students on November 5th but we are hoping and looking forward to seeing all of our parents and families! Your child’s school will send more information in the next week on how you are able to schedule an appointment. Our teachers love to hear from our parents/families so everyone can work together on plans to ensure that your child is on track in the classroom. This is also the time to share if there are any other concerns such as peer relationships, and or social/emotional issues they may be experiencing. And remember every school has guidance counselors- so swing by the office to meet your child’s counselor. They are an integral part of support when you have additional questions.
Suggestion: Before attending the conference with teachers it is always best to do the following:
1. Talk to your child about how they are doing in their classes. What classes are they excelling in? What classes are they struggling with? Ask your child why they have a favorite class or not.
2. Create a list of questions for your parent-teacher conferences. Questions like:
How is my child doing academically? What are their strengths and challenges? Is my child on grade level?
What are the key grade level math and reading skills my child is expected to learn this year?
How often do you assign homework? What types of homework assignments can I expect to see?
How is my child doing socially in the classroom interacting with his/her classmates?
How can I best support my child at home?
After the meeting:
Work with your child’s teacher to develop an action plan to address any academic or social emotional issues they may be experiencing.
Another resource is to reach out to your child’s guidance counselor. Remember all our schools have guidance counselors that can support you and your child as well.
So please take a little time to prepare for November 5th parent-teacher conferences. Our school principals will be reaching out to you about scheduling meeting times with each of your child’s teachers.
Just a reminder that our next Parent/Family Advisory Council meeting will be held tomorrow morning, October 17, at 9:30am at CCRI Newport - Room 233. If you are interested in participating or would like to receive a link to participate virtually, please email Cathy Nash at cathynash@npsri.net.
Finally, I want to encourage everyone to join me next Thursday, October 24th at 5:30pm for a Newport Public Schools Town Hall meeting. I will be sharing updates about what is happening in our classrooms and across the school district, and taking questions from parents. Click here to register and receive a link to participate in the online Town Hall meeting.
Have a great week of learning everyone!
Colleen Burns Jermain, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
