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This medicine the doc gave me is amazing. I am already feeling much better.

Sad, though, about the death of Arthur C. Clarke, whose books, along with Heinlein's, helped me survive high school. Clarke lived to be 90 years old. I can't begrudge him getting tired after a while.

I am putting the finishing touches on some stuff for the long overdue website overhaul. I need your help.

One page is just my Favorites: food, season, city, etc. What do you want to know?

Also, I am finally doing the FAQ. What Frequently Asked Questions do you want answered? What Infrequently Asked Questions?

Teachers - I think you should give extra points to any of your students who pose good questions here!

by Teaching Tips Contributing Editor, Renee Kirchner

If you’re a parent of a new elementary student and you’re unfamiliar with the time-honored parent-teacher conference, there are some easy ways to make the most of your conference. The conference is designed as a face to face meeting between a child’s teacher and his or her parents. Open and honest communication is critical in this first meeting so the child will have the best chance of succeeding in school. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

PREPARE BEFORE THE MEETING

It isn’t just the teacher that needs to come prepared to the first meeting. Before the meeting parents should talk to their child about the teacher and the child’s class. Do they have any questions or concerns that have come up during the first week or two of school? Parents can make some notes before the meeting about important information they don’t want to forget to discuss with their child’s teacher. This list might include family dynamics, the child’s personality, special needs, medical issues, work habits, etc. Parents should let the teacher know the child’s strengths and weaknesses. Is your child neat as a pin? Do they tend to procrastinate? The teacher would benefit from this type of information.

DURING THE CONFERENCE

What will your child learn this year?

It is important to find out what the learning goals are for the school year. Ask the teacher if the school gives students standardized tests. If so, what is the average passing rate at the school? How many chances will each child have to pass the test? If your child has special needs because they are either gifted or learning disabled, be sure to ask what type of programs the school offers for your child. Finally, ask the teacher about any major projects or assignments for the year and the due dates so that you can help your child plan their time wisely.

What is the best way to get in touch with you?

It is important to find out when the teacher’s planning period is. You also need to find out if it is easier to get in touch with them by phone or email. Email is often easier because the teacher can respond when she has time to sit at her desk.

AFTER THE CONFERENCE

The parent-teacher conference is the first step in the two-way dialogue between you and your child’s teacher. If you go into the meeting with a positive attitude, it will go much smoother. Don’t let this meeting be the last time that you get in touch with your child’s teacher. Keep the lines of communication open all year long. Never wait until you have a huge problem to talk to the teacher.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Be on time. If you are running late, call the school. Only use your allotted time spot – don’t go over because other parents are waiting. Always be respectful and stay calm. Don’t argue with the teacher.