Making Connections

Parent-teacher conferences can feel intense. It’s a long evening, squeezed into an already packed week, and it sometimes comes with anxiety on both sides of the desk. But when approached thoughtfully, PTA can become one of the most uplifting, relationship-building parts of the school year—for you and for parents. Here are some practical, real-world insights designed to guide teachers—new and experienced alike—toward meaningful, productive conferences. Want to hear more? These tips come  come from Torah Umesorah’s The Power of PTA—a rich, practical session packed with guidance, insight, and live role play. Click to watch.     Why PTA Still Matters In many schools, teachers are already in consistent contact with parents. You make your welcome calls before the year begins, send notes home, reach out when needed. So why gather everyone on one night? Why the babysitters, parking, schedules, and stress? Because face-to-face connection builds something no email or phone call can.

Report card comments serve a vital purpose in a student’s educational journey. These comments offer insights into a student’s strengths and overall character.  It’s important to be careful and thoughtful when writing report card comments. Positive language can encourage and inspire, while negative comments can stifle a student’s enthusiasm. By weighing every word carefully, educators can provide constructive feedback that nurtures growth and resilience, fostering an environment where students feel valued for their qualities and contributions to the class, beyond academic achievement. Some principals feel that report cards should only reflect positive aspects of the student. “We can share constructive criticism separately, either verbally or through written memos, allowing the comment section to focus solely on positive feedback,” says one veteran Bais Yaakov principal. “Along with academic performance, most schools include a section to rate character, effort, and conduct, providing students with clear feedback on areas that need improvement.“ Don’t

Engaging lessons that fit tight schedules As Yom Kippur draws near, Limudei Kodesh teachers are presented with an opportunity to dive deep into the meaning and minhagim of this important day— all in just a few teaching days!  That’s why we’ve collected interactive teaching ideas that will not only engage your students but also help them absorb a lot of information in a short amount of time.  Fast Facts Start with a mini challenge! Hand your students a list of statements about the new topic and let them decide if each one is true or false—or if they agree or disagree. It’s a fun way to get brains buzzing and conversations started, plus it gives you a sneak peek at what they already know (or think they know!). Example: True or False? We fast on Yom Kippur to commemorate the shattering of the luchos. We hear 100 shofar blasts on

https://tuteachercenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Excel-grading.mp4 Spreadsheets make calculating students’ grades quick and easy. They’re efficient and can be easily updated if anything changes, saving you from redoing all the math. Plus, they help keep everything organized and accurate, reducing mistakes. With a digital backup, your data is safe and easy to share with the school office, making it simple to include grades on report cards. Overall, spreadsheets make grading a breeze! If you’ve never done this before, here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your custom grading spreadsheet. 1. Set Up the Spreadsheet Header Open Excel and in Row 1, create the following headers: A1: Student Name B1: Test 1 C1: Test 2 D1: Test 3 E1: Test 4 F1: Final Score G1: Grade You can adjust the number of assignments/tests to suit your needs. 2. Enter Students’ Scores In rows 2 and onward, enter data for each student. Example: A2: Aviva B2: 85 C2: