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From the Desk of ACS Supt. Burleson: ACS Ends First Grading Period; Time for Parent-Teacher Conferences

October 13, 2014. More than one-fourth of the school year has passed, marking the end of the first grading period. Student report cards will be sent home soon. As always, Avery County Schools offers a scheduled opportunity for parents and teachers to meet to discuss the educational progress of their child. This is a collaborative effort between the schools and home to discuss student progress, concerns, celebrations, or other important information.

The parent/teacher conference day will be on Monday, October 20. Each school has developed a schedule that will meet their parents’ and community’s needs.

School Parent/Teacher Conferences 10/20/14
Avery High School 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Avery Middle School 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Blue Ridge Academy 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cranberry Middle School 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Banner Elk Elementary School 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Crossnore Elementary School 11a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Freedom Trail Elementary 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Newland Elementary School 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Riverside Elementary School 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

I encourage all parents to make every effort to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher. In order for our students to be successful, there must be communication between the home and the school. These conferences are one way to establish that line of communication.

As a school district, we believe Parent Teacher Conferences are vital to ensure that each child receives the best education possible. As your superintendent, my I offer the following suggestions for a successful meeting?

  • Talk to your child.

ASK WHICH subjects your child likes best and least. Why?

ASK WHAT your child would like to discuss.

  • Think about your own questions or concerns.

MAKE A LIST before the conference.

LIST INFORMATION about your child.

INCLUDE QUESTIONS about programs or policies.

Other possible questions to ask:

  • How well does my child get along with others?
  • Is my child working up to his or her potential?
  • Does my child participate in class discussions and activities?
  • Has my child missed any classes or assignments?
  • Has my child been tardy to school?
  • Have you noticed any sudden changes in the way my child? (For example behavior, vision, tiredness, or mood swings…)
  • Ask the most important questions first, in case time becomes a factor.
  • Ask the teacher for specific suggestions on ways to help your child do better.
  • Ask the teacher to clarify anything you don’t understand.

In addition, to Parent/Teacher Conferences the middle and high school offer a Learner Management System, Haiku. Haiku allows teachers share assignments and feedback with their students; access for parents to have instantaneous information on their teen’s progress; and students access to assignments without the Internet system.

In closing, our school system is proud to release the 2013/2014 Annual Report which will be distributed on October 20, during the parent/teacher conferences. This report will give you an overview of our schools, programs, accomplishments, demographics, and related accountability measures.

I cannot say enough how each citizen in our community is a vital link in Avery’s educational system for preparing students for lifelong learning, productive citizenship, and happiness. To educate children to their fullest potential, there must be a collaborative effort between the home, the school, and the community. When these three partners cooperate, students are the ultimate benefactors.

Sincerely,

ACS Supt. David Burleson