Parent/Teacher conferences are an excellent way for parents and teachers to talk to
each other. Each person can share important information about your child’s talents
and needs. Remember, you and the school have something in common: We both
want your child to succeed and do well.
This year, parent teacher conferences will be held on Tuesday, October 20 th from
3:30p.m.-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 21 st from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. There
will be no school on October 23 rd . This year will be an open house format in the
middle school. Teachers will be in their rooms during the conference to answer any
questions or concerns that they may have. Conferences will be limited to 15
minutes to allow all parents an opportunity to speak with teachers. If you feel more
time is needed, an additional conference maybe scheduled at a time that is
convenient to both the parent and teacher. Finally, grades at the middle school will
be electronic through Teacherease this year. We will not be handing out paper
copies of quarterly grades unless specifically requested by a parent. If you do not
have a login or need assistance with Teacherease, please contact Christen Patrick at
217-357-3914 or cosborne@cesd317.org.
What should you expect?
A two-way conversation – Parent/Teacher conferences are best when both people
talk and listen. This is a time to learn about your child’s progress in school. Ask to
see your child’s data, attendance, grades, and test scores. Also, this is a time for the
teacher to learn about what your child is like at home. Talk to the teacher about
your child’s likes, dislikes, interests, and needs.
Emphasis on learning – Focus on how well the child is doing in school. Talk about
how the child can do even better. To get ready for this conversation, look at your
child’s homework, tests, and sample work prior to the conference. It is always a
good idea to bring a list of questions with you.
Opportunities and Challenges – The teachers, administration, and the school want
your child to succeed. You will probably hear both positive feedback about your
child’s progress and areas for improvement. Be prepared by thinking about your
child’s strengths and challenges.
Checklist: Before the Conference
Schedule a time to meet. If you can’t go at the scheduled time, ask the
teacher about other times.
Review your child’s work, grades, and progress reports.
Talk with your child about his or her progress at school.
Talk with others – family members, school staff, about your child’s strengths
and needs.
Make a list of questions to ask during the conference.
Think about ways you would like to be involved in your child’s learning so
that you can discuss them with the teacher.
What should you talk to the teacher about?
Progress – Find out how your child is doing by asking questions like: Is my child
performing at grade level? How is he or she doing compared to others at their
age/grade level? What do you see as his/her strengths or needs?
Assignments and Assessments – Ask to see examples of your child’s work. Ask
how the teacher gives grades.
Your thoughts about your child – Be sure to share your thoughts and feelings
about your child. Tell the teacher what you think your child is good at? What do
they struggle with?
Support learning at home – Ask what you can do at home to help your child learn.
Ask if the teacher knows of other programs or services that could also help your
child.
Support learning at school – Find out what services are available at the school to
help your child. Ask how the teacher will both challenge and support your child
when he/she needs it.
How should you follow up?
Make a plan – Write down the things that you and the teacher will each do to
support your child. You can do this during or after the conference. Write down
what you will do, when, and how often.
Schedule another time to talk – Communication should go both ways. Ask how
you can contact the teacher. Don’t forget to ask how the teacher will contact you as
well. There are many ways to communicate – in person, by phone, by email, notes,
etc. Make a plan that works for both you and the teacher.
Talk to your child – The parent-teacher conference is all about your child, so don’t
forget to include him or her. Share with your child what you learned.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the 2026-2027 Parent/Teacher Conferences. If
I can be of any service or if you have any questions, feel free to call me at 217-357-
3914 or email at dday@cesd317.org.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Dustin W. Day
Superintendent/Middle School Principal
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Carthage Primary School Parent-Teacher Conferences
Dear CPS Families,
Parent-teacher conferences are a great opportunity for us to talk about your child’s learning, celebrate their growth, and discuss how we can work together to help them be successful. You know your child best, and we appreciate the information and insight you share with us!
This year, conferences will be held:
Tuesday, October 20, from 3:15–6:30 PM
Wednesday, October 21, from 3:15–6:30 PM
Please contact your child’s teacher to arrange an individual conference time. Each family will have a scheduled time to sit down with the teacher and talk about their child. If these dates do not work for your family, please reach out so we can help make other arrangements.
There will be no school on Friday, October 23.
What will we talk about?
At the primary level, children are building the foundation for their learning. Along with reading, writing, and math, they are learning how to follow routines, work independently, make friends, and manage their feelings. Conferences give us time to talk about your child’s growth in all of these areas.
Your child’s teacher will share examples of their work, assessment information, strengths, and skills they are still practicing. We also want to hear how things are going at home, what your child enjoys, and any questions or concerns you have.
How can you get ready?
Before your conference, take a few minutes to look through your child’s schoolwork and ask them about school. What do they enjoy? What are they proud of? Is anything feeling difficult? Bring any questions or information you would like to share with the teacher.
You might ask:
What progress have you seen in my child?
What skills are they still working on?
How are they doing with classroom routines and friendships?
What are a few simple things we can do at home to help?
Supporting learning at home does not have to be complicated. Reading together, talking about the day, playing games, and practicing everyday routines can all help. Your child’s teacher can suggest ideas that fit your child’s needs.
After the conference
Share some of the positives with your child and let them know you are proud of their effort and growth. Follow through on any next steps you and the teacher discuss, and please continue to reach out throughout the year. We want to work with you!
If you need help contacting your child’s teacher or arranging a conference, please call Mrs. Jennie Snodgrass in the CPS office at 217-357-9202.
I look forward to seeing our families at conferences. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for all you do to support them!
Sincerely,
Ryanne Jacoby, Carthage Primary School Principal
rjacoby@cesd317.org