It’s the start of the school year, which means it’s time for Back-To-School Night, open houses, Curriculum Nights, and Meet the Teacher events. The irony? No kids are allowed, meaning you’ll have to find a sitter. These evening events, usually held a few weeks after school starts, are a chance for parents to meet their child’s teachers and find out about the class schedule, homework policies, and plans for the year.
It’s also an important opportunity to meet other parents and get involved in the school community. Here are helpful school tips for making the most of the evening and getting the school year off on the right foot.
1. Introduce Yourself to the Teacher
It’s obvious, yes, but worth the reminder. Even if you’ve already met your child’s teacher, you don’t want to miss the chance to say hello and introduce yourself as the mother or father of a student they are just getting to know. Curriculum night is a valuable opportunity to support the teacher and your child. Every other parent in the room will be waiting to say hello, too, so keep it brief. This simple act can help build a successful school relationship from the start.
2. Save Some Questions for Later
Unless a lot of time is allotted to Q&A, you may want to wait to ask your questions, at least the big ones, when the teacher has more time to respond. They likely have a big agenda for the night and a lot to include in a short period of time. Send them an email when you get home instead. This is especially true for questions about academic achievement, school days, and specific classroom experience details.
3. Don’t Overcommit
Hoping to take advantage of a captive audience, teachers, administrators, the PTA, and the Class Parents will likely seek your help. As much as you want to support your child’s education, refrain from committing to more than your schedule can handle. If you overcommit, the year will quickly become a burdensome blur, and you’ll miss out on enjoying the ride. Focus on volunteer opportunities that truly fit your schedule and interests.
4. Volunteer for Jobs You Really Want to Do
You’ll get much more out of your volunteer time and have much more to give if you choose opportunities that appeal to you and your skills. You don’t need to plan the class party, chaperone the field trip, or head up the fundraiser unless you want to. Instead, you may like to help by tutoring a struggling student, designing a flyer, or assembling workbooks in your own living room. This allows you to contribute meaningfully to the school community and ensure you are part of a thriving school environment.
5. Leave Your Child a Note
In the flurry of meeting the teacher, catching up with other parents, and watching the PowerPoint about mandatory testing, it’s easy to forget that your child sees the night as a chance to show off their classroom and work. Leave a note of encouragement on their desk, letting them know how much you like the room, how friendly the teacher is, and how proud you are of their “All About Me” collage. This small gesture can make your child’s first few weeks of school feel extra special.
6. Consider Being the Class Photographer
If you’re the parent constantly snapping pics on your phone, chances are you’ll take many pictures to document your child’s school year. Offer to share your photos with the teacher and the class. The other parents will love it (you’re taking some pressure off of them!), and the teacher will appreciate having photos to use for presentations, fliers, slide shows, and projects. This role allows you to stay involved without overcommitting to multiple tasks.
7. Remember That It’s Not Social Hour
It’s easy to get caught up reconnecting with parents you haven’t seen all summer or since your kids were in kindergarten together. It’s important to reconnect and initiate new friendships, but don’t spend so much time chatting that you miss out on the presentation or tour. Do go the extra mile to track down the parents of the new friend your child’s incessantly talked about since the first day of school, and trade numbers. Building relationships within the school community is valuable but should not overshadow the evening’s primary purpose.
8. Explore the School Library and Resources
Make sure to visit the school library during the back-to-school night. The library is a treasure trove of favorite school book titles and resources that greatly benefit your child’s learning experience. Ask the librarian about upcoming book fairs or special events that could spark your child’s interest in reading. The library often has classroom-tested ideas and materials to support your child’s education, especially in English, Language Arts and other subjects.
9. Check the School Calendar and Important Dates
Before you leave the curriculum night, grab a copy of the school calendar or check the bulletin boards. This will help you keep track of important dates such as parent-teacher conferences, grade-level school events, and holidays. Being aware of the school calendar ensures you can plan ahead and not miss out on significant activities throughout the year. Having extra copies of the calendar at home can be helpful.
10. Utilize Newsletters and Communication Tools
Many schools provide newsletters, such as a weekly newsletter or an editable newsletter template, to keep parents informed about classroom and school-wide activities. Sign up for these newsletters or check if they are available on the school’s website. Effective parent-teacher communication is key to staying engaged and supporting your child’s education. Consider discussing different forms of communication that work best for you, whether email, newsletters, or even articles for parents.
Making a good impression and learning as much as you can about your child’s upcoming school year is a wonderful way to start the week of school off on the right foot. Back-to-school night (or Curriculum Night) is well worth your time and the cost of the sitter. You’ll be glad you attended.
Related: 5 Helpful Tips to Get an After-School Care Sitter and Rates
