A few weeks ago, just after the start of our new semester, we held our second Open House of the year so parents could meet their children's second semester teachers, hear about their course syllabi and their expectations for the semester. We also hoped that for many parents it would provide an opportunity to open up a line of communication with teachers via phone or email.
Now, we are always pleased to see parents in our school and we enjoy talking about what we teach, but more importantly, we love to talk about student learning and progress. However, it was rather disappointing to see so few parents attend our recent Open House. We instituted this second evening a few years ago at the request of a number of parents who felt it was important that they get to meet thier children's second semester teachers. We certainly agree and will continue to offer that opportunity in the future.
On the assumption that perhaps there is something wrong with the way we structure our Open House, I would like to pose two questions to parents:
First, if you did not attend our recent Open House, please let us know why. (This blog allows you to post anonymously so please let us hear from you.)
Second, what suggestions do you have to improve the Open House which might encourage more parents to attend?
I welcome and look forward to your feedback.
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Paul
ReplyDeleteI just found this blog and am quite pleased to see the links and your comments. I was not able to attend the open house for the second semester because I was in Rome with the Latin trip. I find the program very important primarily for the ability to meet potentially new teachers that you have never met on other occasions. I must confess that our son now has Mrs. Kelly who our daughter had as well and I still have never met her. I must pop in for a visit I guess. The only suggestion I can think of is to perhaps eliminate the opening remarks in the auditorium. Hopefully those in attendance attended the one in the fall opening the school year. You could be in the lobby with information. Maybe a less structured class schedule would be effective.
I hope you do not end this second open house.
Thank you Nancy Geiger
Thanks for your post Nancy. I like your suggestion...if I thought that by eliminating my speech it would encourage more parents to attend, I would do it in a heartbeat!
ReplyDeletePlease rest assured that I have no intention of ending the second semester open house.