Parent-teacher conferences to span 3 days of November

Parent-teacher+conferences+will+be+Nov.+16-18%2C+and+specific+times+will+be+indicated+on+Calendly.+

Peter Pu

Parent-teacher conferences will be Nov. 16-18, and specific times will be indicated on Calendly.

Amy Ren, Reporter

Parent-teacher conferences will take place virtually Nov. 16-18. Parents will use an online platform to sign up for five-minute slots to meet with individual teachers. 

The Faculty Association and Lab administration are planning for conferences to take place over Zoom. According to Assistant Principal Asra Ahmed, teachers’ schedules will be organized through Calendly, an app for scheduling.

There isn’t a digital way we can replicate what we do in the gym without creating chaos for parents and teachers.

— Asra Ahmed

In previous years, conferences took place in the gym. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, conferences will take place online and be extended to span three days.

In the past, parents would pick an hour-long slot at the gym to see as many teachers as possible. This year, parents can choose five-minute slots with individual teachers. 

“There isn’t a digital way we can replicate what we do in the gym without creating chaos for parents and teachers,” Ms. Ahmed said.

The shift to a three-day model is due to the new digital format and in consideration to the health and well-being of faculty, Ms. Ahmed said. 

“Normally, we use one whole school day and an evening, and because… you just can’t see as many people through this process, we needed to use three school days,” Ms. Ahmed said. “Teachers have enough time to see parents and also some breathing room to step away from their cameras, so they’re not in meetings 24 hours straight.”
Details and logistics on how to sign up for parent-teacher conferences will be sent to parents by email.