Weekly Update

We've just wrapped up another fabulous week! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with each of you and celebrating all that your child has achieved. While we prepared for conferences this week and last, I found myself thinking and reflecting about everything our little crew has done and it just tickles me because each of us (including parents) has grown so much since the start of the year. I love conferences for that very reason: slowing down and reflecting on all the growth and accomplishments. As much as I loved hearing each student share their artifacts and reflections, I really enjoyed watching your faces; the smiles and giggles and sheer pride shone through as you listened to your little one speak. It was a special treat for me to watch you enjoy your child!

A few things to mention:

• Spring Break April 6th-9th
• Natural History of Museum fieldwork April 12th (Permission slip sent home today)
  
• Mega Crew April 13th (Please arrive at school at 8:20 am)
• Book orders were sent home today. They are due April 13th
• Earth Day Celebration at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge April 14th (Flyer sent home today)
  
• School Fundraiser Dinner April 21st
• K-2 Mini-slice-more information to come later
• Celebration Of Learning May 16th

Thanks again for being so supportive of your child and all the awesome things they are learning and trying!

Student-led Parent Conferences

As a reminder, our conferences are scheduled for Thursday, March 29th and Friday, March 30th. If you are unsure of your child's conference time, please let me know. Below you will find some helpful tips and information to prepare you for your child's conference.

Before the Conference:

• Please have a babysitter arranged for younger siblings if at all possible.
• Please arrive 5 minutes before your schedule time slot.
  

During the Conference:

• Stay positive. This is a new experience for your child and he/she may be nervous.
• Parents should step back and allow the student to do things his/her own way.
• Try to bottle up any concerns until after they are finished presenting the information. Then discuss.
• Questions should be open-ended. (i.e. Can you tell me about this piece?)
• Focus on the big picture and not the single spelling error. Celebrate your child’s academic growth!
• Be an attentive listener by providing support and trying to understand.
• Try to stick to your 20 minute time slot.
• Please do not take the data folders home. Your child is still working on mastering standards and tracking their personal growth. I will send all papers home at the end of the year!
  

These conferences are a time to celebrate your child! If you would like to meet with me separately, I am more than happy to make an appointment for the following week.