Elementary Parents Go Back to School

St. John Parents Looking At Their Children's Work

                                                        *Story and Photos by Kathy Hossler*
          This is the first year St. John Lutheran organized a Back to School Night for Parents so that they can learn more about their childrens classroom. This year’s Back to School Night started off with an introduction by Vanessa Baxley who explained the format of the evening. When the opening session at the church concluded, the parents were able to experience a day in the life of  their child at school. Parents visited their children’s classes which gave them the opportunity to see what goes on at school and how their students classrooms operate on a daily basis. They also got an inside look at the classroom curriculums, student schedules, and what the students are working on in each subject. This event effectively creates a bridge between the teacher and the parent(s), because parents ask questions and get more involved with their child’s education.
          Parents enjoyed the opportunity to have an up close look at classroom policies. “I like the family environment, parental involvement, quality education, and the small classes here at St. John Lutheran”, says Maureen Quinlan, Parent Teacher League President. From this occasion, she also gained more knowledge about Edline, the schools online information source, and how it is a really great tool for parents. One thing that Quinlan would change about St. John Lutheran is seeing more parents committed to promoting the school on a daily basis. A new parent to St. John Lutheran, Art Hallgren, also likes how the school is warm and loving and the technology that the teachers incorporate into class.
          The teachers also appreciated the opportunity to share with parents at Back to School Night. Third grade teacher, Ruth Westol, states, “This event was very helpful in order for me to inform the parents about my class policies and expectations of the students.” It also allows her to have general communication with parents. Another teacher, Denise Abbatiello, appreciated how this event gave her the opportunity to explain class policies and let parents ask questions. Both teachers thought that the reactions of the parents to this event were positive and supportive.
          The night wrapped up with refreshments, where parents were further able to talk to teachers and other parents, and St. John’s PTL. All in all, this night was very successful for both teachers and parents.
To view more photos form this event, click the link Elementary Parents Go Back to School