Ace The “Meet the Teacher” Meeting

Enrollment Essentials

Here’s a quick reminder of what you need:

• Enrollment Forms: Double-check that all forms are completed and submitted.
• Residency Verification: Have proof of residency documents ready to go.
• Immunization Records: Ensure your child’s immunization records are current and submitted to the school.

For more information about gathering a copy of your child’s birth certificate, shot records, and tips on scheduling well-child exams or immunizations, visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Getting Ready to Meet the Teacher

Meeting the teacher is a perfect opportunity to set the stage for a positive school year. Here are some things you can do to prepare:

• Gather Information: Make a list of questions to ask the teacher, such as:
  • What is the daily schedule?
  • How do you handle homework and assignments?
  • What are the classroom rules and behavior expectations?
  • Are there any specific supplies or materials my child will need?
• Prepare Your Child: Talk to your child about the meeting and what to expect. It’s a great time to discuss any concerns they might have.

What to Remember

Creating a good impression can be as simple as coming prepared. Here’s a checklist of items to bring:

• Classroom Supplies: I like to bring a few tissue boxes, cleaning wipes, and hand sanitizer. Teachers always need these, and as a wife of a teacher, I can promise you those are not provided to them.
• Class Snacks: If your child’s class has snack time, consider bringing a bulk snack to help start a stockpile. Make sure to ask the teacher about any specific dietary restrictions or preferences.
• Extra Car Tags: If your child’s school uses car tags for pickup, request extras for those who help with pick-up.
• DIY Teacher Gift: A thoughtful, simple gift can go a long way. Here’s an easy DIY idea. Grab a clear pencil box and fill it with things you would like to have with you during the day within hand’s reach. I included flair pens, sticky notes, sharpened pencils, gum, chapstick, face mask, bandages, hand sanitizer, Tide-to-go wipes, hand lotion, dewrinkler, etc. It’s both practical and appreciated. You could even include a small $5 gift card to Sonic or your local coffee shop for them to treat themselves that first week of school. Encourage your son or daughter to write a small note to include, thanking them for being their new teacher.

Post-Meeting Checklist

After the meeting, there are a few important things to follow up on:

• Snap a Picture: First, take a photo of the “About Me” page the teacher provides. Trust me, you’ll look for this info around Christmas and Teacher Appreciation Week.
• Specials Schedule: Next, identify the days of the week for specials like PE, Art, and Music. This will help you and your child stay organized and ensure they wear the appropriate clothing and footwear on those days.
• Follow-Up: Finally, note any items or actions mentioned during the Meet the Teacher meeting, such as forms to return or supplies to bring later. Don’t forget to ask if the supplies you are bringing in need to be labeled or if they are going into a general pile.

Additional Preparations

• Meet with the School Nurse: If your child needs to take medication during school hours, ensure you meet with the school nurse to turn in any medications, inhalers or necessary documentation.
• Drop-Off and Pick-Up Spots: Confirm you know the drop-off and pick-up locations. Don’t assume they’re the same as last year. My daughters’ school changed the locations this year, leading to impressive results—school pickup now takes less than 5 minutes!
• Print off the School Calendar: Go ahead and snap a photo of it, too! If you can, start adding those important dates to your family shared calendar, work-off requests, etc. Pay attention to any built-in virtual days, parent-teacher conferences, holidays, and breaks.
• Print off the Food Menus: My girls don’t wake up early enough to have breakfast at school, but occasionally, they will want the hot lunch offered. So I like to have the menu easily accessible so they can practice their reading and let me know if they want a hot lunch or if they are going to pack their lunch each day. They typically look at it on Sunday nights and make the decisions for the whole week.

Additional Tips

• Stay Organized: Keep all important documents and information in a dedicated folder or binder. Go ahead and prep your “First Day of School” props, OKCMom.com even has some free printables for you!
• Communicate: First, establish a good line of communication with the teacher from the start. Ask about the best way to stay in touch, such as email, phone calls, or a classroom app.
• Get Involved: Additionally, if your schedule allows, consider joining the PTA or volunteering in the classroom. It’s a great way to stay connected and support your child’s education. However, if you can’t volunteer at the school, offer to do things on your own time. The teacher might ask you to help cut out shapes, staple packets, etc. Every type of volunteer is valued!

Helpful Resources

For additional tips on preparing for the school year, check out the Before the Bell resource from the Oklahoma School Readiness Program. This site offers comprehensive checklists and advice on everything from enrollment and health records to organizing school supplies and understanding school routines. Additionally, it’s an excellent tool to ensure you have all the necessary information and materials for a smooth and successful start to the school year. Furthermore, by taking these steps, you’ll set a positive tone for the school year. Here’s to a successful and stress-free Meet the Teacher experience!