News from San Rafael City Schools

September 9, 2009

San Rafael City Schools E - Newsletter

Back To School Night

Dear Members of the San Rafael City Schools Community:

Beginning this week, schools in our district will invite parents to attend "Back to School" Night. This annual event, provides the opportunity for parents to get a "glimpse" into the goals and expectations for the year ahead. You will also get a "sneak peak" at some of the people and concepts that can help your kid succeed.

The most basic function of Back to School Night is for teachers to lay out, in 45 minutes or less, what they'll be teaching for the entire year. They'll also introduce themselves, explain the homework policy, outline behavior standards, and provide guidelines for communications, and opportunities for parents to volunteer. - That's a lot of ground to cover!

It is helpful to know that at Back to School Night, parents main role is to listen. As you have questions, it is best to ask general questions which apply to the entire class, and not a question specifically about your child. Information, questions, and concerns specific to your child are best handled by scheduling a time to meet and talk with the teacher.

At most every Back to School night I attend, I see teachers and parents being a little nervous about meeting each other. It is good to remember that you both share the goal of success for your child.A veteran teacher once shared with me a statement that she included in every Back to School Night presentation she gave over 30+ years of teaching:

"If you don't believe everything you hear about school,
I won't believe everything I hear about home."

Back to School night can be the beginning of a valuable partnership where 1:1 communication is nurtured and developed. We want to be responsive to concerns shared by parents, and we also want to be able to provide information with you about your child in school.

A child's education is an important combination of home and school working together closely. Back to School Night can be a first step in building a strong relationship between the two.

All the best,

Mike

Michael Watenpaugh, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Back to School Night Schedule & Information

Back to School Night Basics

This one page handout can be a helpful guide for both teachers and parents in preparation for this event. Click here to the document link.

Schedule of Back to School Nights 2009

Wed. September 9th