Parent/Teacher Conferences

Those dreaded days are coming...only they shouldn't be dreadful.  This is your opportunity to shine as a teacher.  Parent/Teacher conferences are the perfect opportunity to display what your students CAN do.  Even if you have some concerns to share with parents, celebrations should by far outweigh concerns.  Another way to ease the burden of sharing academic or behavior concerns is by building relationships with parents before conferences come around, especially spring conferences.  One way I build relationships is by making weekly phone calls to my parents.  This is a way to partner with them before problems arise.  I always conclude conversations by asking them if there is anything I can do to support them.  School districts usually have lots of resources that can be provided to parents in need of help with food, shelter, clothing, utilities, medical and dental opportunities, etc.  This is also a great opportunity to introduce them to the school counselor and family-school liaison.  Most of the time they say no, but there is that one chance that they need help and are not sure how or who to ask.  In the event you have to call about a concern it will be less intimidating to the parent.  They are already partners in their child's school success!  Hope this helps.  Remember to focus on the positives first...find as many successes as you can to share.  The concerns are only a small "bump" in the road.

Be sure to enter Ms. Fultz's Corner birthday giveaway.

No I in TEAM

After quite the emotional week due to personal reasons, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the team we have created at Benton.  Our team consists of teachers, paras, nurses, office staff, administration, janitorial staff, cafeteria staff, and even the students.  Even though we have had some little bumps throughout the week I have found that within those challenges come major successes.  Some issues that once would have spiraled into day long episodes were deescalated in a matter of minutes.  At one point a student had the opportunity to destroy an entire classroom, but instead chose minor non-breakable items to "toss" in the air.  It's these successes that keep us motivated to do what we do.  We, as a team, are truly making differences one child at a time!!

It's just the beginning...

The journey is about to begin.  I am excited to have a place to discuss, share, debrief, inspire, and reflect.

A little about me...I am a special education teacher for students who need a little extra support than a general education classroom can offer.  Last January our district started a new program in which I had the privilege to be part of team that decided the name and mission statement.  We proudly call our program REACh.  I believe relationships are the most important aspect in a child's education.  This program provides relationship based supports to help students gain the skills necessary to be successful at school and home.  I am also a wife and mother of one teenage daughter.  We have three dogs and puppies on the way.  Even though education is my passion, I find plenty of time to engage in other interests.

I hope you join me on this journey.  This is going to be exciting!