Get Ready for November’s Parent-Teacher Conferences

November brings so many exciting things to look forward to—crisp autumn air, pumpkin-spiced everything, Thanksgiving… and NYC’s second round of parent-teacher conferences!

Now that we are deeper into the school year, you and your child’s teacher(s) both have more experience with your child as a student. This second conference is a valuable opportunity to check in and assess your child’s progress and challenges in more depth.

To help you get the most out of this discussion, here are some tips that will help you work with your child’s teachers and support your child’s academic development:

Tips for November’s Parent-Teacher Conferences

Talk to your child in advance.

Speak with your child beforehand about how they think they are doing in the class. Is there anything they want you to discuss with the teacher? If your child is an older student, you may want to ask if they are interested in attending the conference with you. Student-led conferences can be a productive and empowering way for students take active roles in shaping their own learning experiences.

Review your child’s test scores and attendance through the NYC Schools Account.

It’s important to be up-to-date on your child’s academic progress before you go. This will help prepare you for what you and the teacher may talk about during this second conference.

Make a list of issues you want to discuss with the teacher, such as:

• • What is my child doing well at?
  • What could they improve upon?
  • If my child is struggling, what additional programs or afterschool services may be available to help them?
  • How does my child get along with classmates and adults?
  • Does my child participate in class discussion and group activities?
  • What can I do at home to support my child?

Make sure you know what days and times parent-teacher conferences are happening at your child’s school.

Details and dates vary depending on grade level and each individual school. We recommend reaching out to your school’s administration or front office to double check! The standard conference dates are listed below:

• • Wednesday, November 6 (Evening)—Middle Schools and District 75 Programs
  • Thursday, November 7 (Afternoon)—Middle Schools and District 75 Programs
  • Wednesday, November 13 (Evening)—Elementary Schools and K–8 Schools
  • Thursday, November 14 (Afternoon)—Elementary Schools and K–8 Schools
  • Thursday, November 21 (Evening)—K–12 and 6–12 Schools
  • Friday, November 22 (Afternoon)—K–12 and 6–12 Schools

Get translation and interpretation services if you need them.

All families should have the information they need to best support their child’s learning. Interpretation services are available at parent-teacher conferences if you are not comfortable communicating in English. Please reach out to your school’s parent coordinator for more information.

For more information, check out our Parent-Teacher Conference webpage.