Conferences are changing for 2024-25

We’re changing the way we conference with our families to be more flexible and responsive to student needs.

“We’re not getting rid of conferences,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Funk. “Those important conversations about student’s progress will still be happening. They’ll just be happening at times that make sense for families and for teachers.”

Under the traditional model of conferences, parents sign up for a 15-minute meeting (or five minutes at the secondary level) on a specific day in the fall and again in the spring.

With the new model, teachers and families can connect as needed throughout the year at times that are convenient for them.

What will conferences look like this year?

Teachers will reach out to families at least once each semester during the school year to give an update on student progress. At the elementary level, teachers will personally connect with each family to have a conversation about their student’s academic and social/emotional development. At the secondary level, teachers may provide an email update for students who are doing well or may request a meeting if they have any concerns. Families who wish to have further conversation can request a meeting in-person or online.

Teachers will continue to share information with families throughout the year. Elementary families receive weekly classroom newsletters or other regular communications from teachers. Middle and high school families will be able to keep up with grades and assignments on Schoology.

While this style of conferencing has been happening at the secondary level for several years, it is new to elementary families. We’ll be gathering feedback from staff and families on the new conferencing process and use it to inform how we improve communication with families into the future.