By Mary Ahlborn

This is probably your very first meeting with parents and you want to make your very best impression. The following are suggestions on how to get ready for your parents’ classroom visitation. Make sure all suggestions are in compliance with your administrator’s policies.

• Label or place a tent card at each desk with student’s name.

• Place a welcome sign outside the classroom door with your name, grade level, room number and student list.

• Distribute text books and student curriculum materials to each desk.

• Place a welcome letter with a class information packet on each student desk for parents to review and take home.

• Complete all bulletin boards.

• Make the classroom clean and organized.

• Provide a sign-up sheet for volunteers and one for pre-conferences.

• Include a Student Information Sheet with the class information packet to show that you are genuinely interested in getting to know your students.

• If possible,provide refreshments.

• If possible,provide an area where children who attend can do an activity or look at books during your presentation.

” A place for everything and everything in its place”

Your Presentation

• Wear attire that is professional and not revealing.

• Greet each parent as they come to your door directing them to find their child’s desk.

• Keep your presentation to a minimum allowing enough time for questions.

• Introduce yourself by stating your name, educational background and philosophy for teaching.

• Focus on the importance of communication, parental support and working as a team.

· Briefly discuss the following:

• Curriculum

• Homework Policy

• Behavior Management Program

• Contact Information

• Issues pertaining to transportation

• Student Responsibilities

• Important School Policies

• Volunteering

• Scheduled field trips

• Grading and Reporting

• Allow time for parents to ask questions.

• Allow time for parents to tour the classroom.

• If possible, present your information using a PowerPoint Slide show.

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Proverbs 25:11

Parent Welcome Letter

• Communicate with parents during the first week of school.

• Include an introduction concerning yourself.

• Include information concerning your expectations for a “great” school year and your expectations for all students.

• Convey the importance of parental support and working together as a team.

• Provide contact information as to how to contact the school, and yourself.

• Convey the importance of volunteering.
• Encourage parents to contact you when there are questions or concerns.

• Include on a separate page information that pertains to class, routines and homework.

• Include your Behavior Management program.

• Include a page “Getting to Know Your Student” and ask that they complete it andreturn it to you. Explain that it is important to you to know more about their child.

• Include a calendar of classroom and school events such as parties or field trips.

• Include information concerning the curriculum.
• Include information concerning lunches, and having additional school supplies.

• Include the Class Home Page web site and password ( if applicable).

• Include information concerning a class newsletter ( if applicable).

• Include information concerning field trips.

• Include information concerning special projects.