What Worked and What Didn't-- Parent Teacher Conferences

Part 1: Reflective Journal
This past week was full of stresses out of the classroom. Between preparing for evening Parent-Teacher conferences (on Tues/Thurs nights), a scholastic bowl coaches meeting more than a hour away (Monday) and mediation between our teachers' union and our local school board...

Whew...

It makes me tired again just reflecting on it.

However, I tried to make the most of our strange, short school days. As it was also the first week of the new quarter, it worked out pretty well.

What DID work was that all my classes were able to get into the lab for STAR assessments. New reading goals are being set and the students are clear about the expectations for this quarter's reading. I had to move around a few lessons and modify the assignments due to the shortened class times, but learning took place. In fact, it was nice to focus on the basics and not feel "pushed" to cover an entire week's lessons in a short time span. It's important to always remember that pacing can be everything...

Part 2: Teaching-wear (Week 5)

Monday--I wasn't at school. 

 <=Tuesday--It was red-ribbon week so during the day, I celebrated by being a "Jean"ious along with the students. At night, during the parent-teacher conferences, I carried on the theme! As much as I like this snap-front dress, I had to prepare for disaster. I wore a tank underneath. Unfortunately, it wasn't the top, but the bottom snaps that kept unbuttoning when I would cross my legs. This one will probably make it to the Salvation Army bag soon.

My rating:  3 Looked good, easy to accessories, but an on-going stress to wear!

<=Wednesday--The red ribbon theme was "Rockin' a Drug-Free Life". I modeled my clothing choice after the fabulous Madonna (from her "Borderlines" days).

My rating:  5 Wish I could do this everyday! Fun and easy to dress '80s!

<=Thursday-- Red ribbon week ended for us with a favorite sports team theme. I simply wore jeans and our local High School team shirt. For parent teacher conferences though, I chose a simple jersey dress. I didn't want the frustration that I had to deal with on Tuesday evening to distract me again during the 3 1/2 hours of conferences. 

My rating: 3 Sure it was comfortable, but it really isn't "me". (I like skirts better than dresses!)


Thankfully, next week should be back to normal. Five full days, only one holiday!