Conferences 

Parent/Teacher Conferences

A parent/teacher conference can be scheduled at any time during the school year. However, you can contact the teachers directly through e-mail, or you may contact the elementary office, and we will set up a time and date for a conference with the teacher/s. Be aware that the best time for conferences is after school or during the teachers’ planning time. Other special arrangements can be made if these options do not work for a parent. Some suggestions to help make the conference beneficial to the success of the students are:

• Please do not wait for issues or concerns to escalate if something is bothering you. Schedule an appointment when a need arises.

• Be prepared with questions.

• Have concrete examples of specific concerns.

• We ask all parties to keep an open mind and work towards understanding others' points of view. 

Hopes and Dreams Conferences

Hopes and Dreams conferences are conducted at the beginning of the school year or immediately before a student begins school. Hopes and Dreams conferences are an opportunity for parents and students to share 'their story’ with teachers and are a "you tell us" opportunity. The purpose of this conference is for parents and students to share their 'hope and dreams' for the year with teachers, and for teachers to listen and ask clarifying questions to understand and get to know the family and the student, and their expectations. 

Goal Setting Conferences

Before the Fall break, you will be contacted by the ES office to set up a parent/student/teacher conference to schedule a conference throught the Pick-A-Time system. The purpose of this conference is to discuss and reflect on your child’s current progress and proficiency in academic and social areas, and on the ICS Learner Profile. You, your child, and the teacher will complete a goal setting form that will be reviewed throughout the year and will be summarized at the end of the year. These conferences have a set agenda and if issues arise that need further discussion, an additional parent/teacher conference may need to be scheduled.

Student Led Conferences

Student Led Conferences are forums where students present their learning to their parents, talk about their accomplishments, celebrate their growth, and review and reflect on their goals set in the Goal Setting Conferences. Students assume responsibility for all components of their conference -- planning, conducting, and evaluating.

The child is truly the “star” in the process. The role of the parent is to be present, encouraging, and to ask probing questions. The teacher and teaching assistant are expected to be in the room as supportive observers.

Parents receive a notice about their child’s conference and time a week or two before the dates.

Celebrations of Learning

Celebrations of Learning are forums that occer throughout the year where students showcase the learning they have done in a particular unit or project. During these forums, students share with parents who are present, and parents engage with students, including their own children.