Parent night is just around the corner, and with all the tasks on your to-do list, it’s easy to overlook important details. As you set up your classroom and get ready for the first week of school, it’s crucial to ensure you’re fully prepared for parent night. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the five essential things you should prepare for parent night to make a great impression on parents and kickstart a successful school year.

Welcome Letter

The first item on your parent night checklist should be a welcome letter or packet for families. Include information about yourself, how to contact you, your preferred method of communication (such as a class dojo or newsletter), office hours, daily schedule, drop-off and pick-up times, homework schedule, and an overview of what students will be learning throughout the year.

Contact Page/Interest Letter

Another way to prepare for parent night is to create a contact page or interest letter that acts as a communication tool between parents and yourself. Keep a copy for yourself to reference when making love calls or bucket-filling calls. Include details such as who to contact, contact preferences, special interests or hobbies of the student, allergies, drop-off or pick-up arrangements, and any other relevant information.

Student Seat with Board

Next, break the ice with each student by placing a post-it note on their desk. On the board, write a prompt such as “How I feel about starting 2nd grade.” This simple activity allows students to express themselves and creates a positive and welcoming atmosphere.

School Calendar

Don’t forget to bring extra copies of the school calendar to parent night. Include important dates such as school breaks, holidays, parent involvement or volunteer opportunities, upcoming parties, field trips, PTO meetings, and any other relevant events. This ensures parents stay informed and can plan ahead.

Added Bonus

Also, consider providing a supplies list and ask parents to call ahead of time to drop off their child’s supplies and help set up their desks. Decide whether supplies will be communal or assigned to each student in advance. This proactive approach saves time and helps establish an organized classroom environment from the start.

Wrap Up

By including these five essential items in your parent night preparations, you’ll be well-equipped to make a lasting impression on parents and confidently start the school year in the primary grades. Remember, effective parent-teacher communication and a welcoming classroom environment set the stage for a successful partnership between home and school.