Student-led Conferences

 
Dear Parents,
 
As you know, on Thursday of this week, we are going to have our first quarter parent - teacher conferences.  Again this year, students will participate in these conferences.  Those who are ready to do so will even lead the conference.  They are busy planning for this now.
 
This is still not a common practice, although more schools are adopting it.  You may wonder why we do it.  Simply put, we want students to be the "owner" of their education.  If you are the parent of young students, then you make most decisions for them.  As they grow and mature, you will make fewer of their decisions.  They will naturally grow into this role.  You will be with them to advise them along the way.  Leading their own educational conference is one step in the process of growth and maturity.  That's why as a parent you increasingly make them responsible for the school work.  It's a valuable part of the experience.  We want our students not to just be passive learners but assertive leaders in their education process.  
 
At the conference, depending upon their age, they will describe what they have learned, what they expect and hope to learn, and how their grades show this.  As students are increasingly able to do this, you should get accurate reports on their progress from them in the future.
 
Although students are only present briefly on that day, it's an important part of their education and counts as a school day.  If you have any questions about it, please contact me.  I so appreciate hearing from parents by email and in person.
 
In His Service,
Tim Miesner
Principal

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