The childrens' progress is communicated differently at the end of the first and third quarters. Every teacher meets with the parent(s) of every student in their class for what are called "portfolio" conferences. These are 30+- minute in-depth conferences where the parent gets to review a book of their child's progress throughout the year, complete with the results of assessments, examples of writing and mathematics assignments, and a narrative summary of their child's strengths and areas for improvement. Here was Daniel's:
Portfolio conferences are fabulous opportunities to get a crystal clear picture of what really is happening in the classroom. Invaluable information!
Shortly after the third quarter portfolio conferences is the Academic Fair, where students get to show off what they've learned. In Daniel's class, each student conducted a student-led conference, where they had a checklist and were responsible to show their parents their work around the room, show samples of their work (including books they made containing their research on an animal that interests them), perform a few math tasks and several other items showcasing their progress. They also get to visit the Book Fair, where Moms and Dads are given the opportunity to pay full price for books they could easily find elsewhere cheaper (but then they would not be supporting the PTA's fundraising efforts).
Here Daniel writes about what he'd do if he were boss. I wonder which of his cousins he wants doing his laundry...
Here's Dan with the wonderful teacher he's had for the past two years. We so wish she could be his teacher next year, too. It takes a special teacher to make this son of mine want to focus on anything other than what interests HIM.
It's all going by so quickly. Deep breaths...
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