When You Absolutely, Positively Have to Miss Back-to-School Night

Meet the teachers on your own schedule

Going to Back-to-School Night is an important first step to giving your child a successful school year. It's worth making every effort to attend -- but sometimes, that's impossible. Work schedules may get in the way, babysitting may be unavailable, or you may have children in more than one school and no way to split yourself in two. If you must miss the night, don't miss the benefits. Call the principal or guidance counselor at your child's school before Back-to-School Night and explain your predicament. Ask if a conference can be set up with all your child's teachers in attendance. This will give you an opportunity to meet them, find out about what they have planned for the year, and share some information about yourself and your child. While gathering everyone together may be a bit of a project, the school should be willing and eager to do this if you have a compelling reason or excuse. With so many parents missing Back-to-School Night and not caring much about it, most schools will welcome those who truly do.