Get Ready for November’s Parent-Teacher Conferences

Families: it’s time to meet with your children’s teachers.

Beginning Wednesday, November 3, NYC public school teachers will be hosting Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Parent-teacher conferences provide families with opportunities to speak with teachers about what their children are learning and experiencing in school. These short meetings also give parents and teachers a great chance to discuss ways of supporting student learning outside of the classroom.

The City’s standard parent-teacher conference dates are listed below. Details, including dates and times, can vary depending on school and grade level—we recommend speaking with your child’s teachers or your school’s front office or parent coordinator to confirm your school’s official conference dates and times!

As in the past school year, all parent-teacher conferences will be conducted remotely for the 2021–22 school year. Teachers will work with you to schedule conferences that are mutually convenient for both of you to attend. If a teacher is unable to schedule a phone or virtual conference with you during your school’s standard conference dates, you may work with the teacher to schedule another time to connect. Additionally, in-person conferences may, upon request, occur during a mutually-agreeable date and time—speak with your child’s teachers to learn more about possible in-person conference options.

November 2021’s Parent-Teacher Conference Schedule

Elementary Schools (Grades K–5, as well as K–8 schools)

• • Wednesday, November 3 — Evening conferences

• • Thursday, November 4 — Afternoon conferences

High Schools (Grades 9–12, as well as K–12 and 6–12 schools) 

• • Wednesday, November 10 — Evening conferences

• • Friday, November 12 — Afternoon conferences

Middle Schools (Grades 6–8) and all District 75 Schools

• • Wednesday, November 17 — Evening conferences

• • Thursday, November 18 — Afternoon conferences

On the dates of afternoon parent-teacher conferences, students will be dismissed three hours before their regular dismissal times. Meanwhile, evening parent-teacher conferences will be held between 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. That being said, please confirm your school’s conference schedule this month with your school’s teachers, parent coordinator, or front office.

Translation and interpretation services will be available during November’s conferences—please let your teacher or parent coordinator know if you require these language services.

Tips for November’s Parent-Teacher Conferences

Talk to your child in advance.

Speak with your child before your conference about their classroom experiences this year. Ask them how they think they are doing in school, and determine if there is anything they would want you to discuss with their teacher(s). Also, ask your child if they feel supported in school. If your child is an older student, you may want to see if they are interested in attending the virtual conference with you. Student-led conferences can be a productive and empowering way for students take active roles in shaping their own learning experiences.

Attend Parent University’s “Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences” on 11/1

On Monday, November 1, at 6:00 p.m., Parent University, in partnership with Learning Heroes, is hosting an interactive online session for parents, guardians, and caregivers that will help you make the most of your upcoming parent-teacher conferences. Engage with other parents and gain access to free, easy-to-use tools that will help you support your child’s learning this year. Don’t miss out on this informative and fun session; register for “Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences” today!

Review the DOE’s 2021–22 Citywide Grading Policy

Gain a better understanding of your child’s progress in school by reviewing the City’s 2021–22 grading policy before meeting with your child’s teachers.

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?

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 principal or parent coordinator for more information, or call the DOE at (718) 935-2013. You may also email us at Hello@schools.nyc.gov to request assistance.

We hope you will have illuminating and productive conversations with your children’s teachers! For more info and conference tips, check out our Parent-Teacher Conference webpage.

Banner photo by Monstera. Used under Creative Commons license. Original can be found on Pexels.