Thomas County parents of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students at Hand-In-Hand Primary School engaged in an evening of student-led conferences on December 14, 2021 which are beneficial for the student, parents, and teachers.

“The conference event gives the child an opportunity to "show what they know" as they shine and share their successes and growths in school,” said kindergarten teacher Anna McKenzie.

In addition to the student input at the conferences, the parent is able to shed light on his or her child’s behavior or learning styles that the teacher may not have observed. Likewise the teacher might be able to share a different perspective of the child’s behavior, school environment, or academic performance of which the parents were not aware. The conferences are usually brief and have a “show and tell” likeness about them; as the child shows the parents how things are done in school.  Whether it's reading a list of words or saying quick math facts with a timer or even how problems are solved with peers, the parents are free to ask questions or stop the teacher for clarification at any time during the conferences. Once the conference is concluded, parents leave with data results of their child’s academic performance and additional resources to help their child at home if needed or requested.

“Hopefully everyone leaves with a happy heart and a greater understanding of the child's plan for success,” said McKenzie.