During March the lead teachers of Sacred Heart Villa conduct meetings with the children's parents/guardians to discuss the children’s progress. Each class has assigned days and parents sign up for a meeting slot. This is the first time since March of 2020 that we have been able to have in person conferences for every class. It has been good for both parents/guardians and teachers. It is such a valuable time for teachers to share their observations to the child’s family. Teachers make informal observations all day long of the students and keep individual records for each child. In addition to daily observations, teachers use age-appropriate assessments. Each age level has their own progress report which the teacher completes prior to conferences and shares with the parents/guardians. When the Kindergarten class had their conferences, each child attended with their parents/guardians. Using their journal entries, these five- and six-year-old children share something that describes what they can do now that they could not do before Kindergarten. They also share an area upon which they personally feel they need to improve.
Families have expressed their gratitude for being able to meet face to face with the teachers. They also expressed thanks to our teachers and staff for their efforts in providing for the physical, educational, and mental wellbeing of the children entrusted to their care. In turn, our teachers acknowledged that the parents/guardians have been so supportive of our school educational efforts, COVID policies and have been helpful by instilling these guidelines to their young children. Working together helps us maintain the caring and nurturing environment of Sacred Heart Villa.