I am a first year teacher. I received a letter from one of the assistant principals at my school. I must contact my advisees’ parents “IMMEDIATELY” and inform them about the open house and the location I will “meet them”. Since it is an open house, doesn’t that mean it is not a formal, scheduled meeting? Are they just free to come in during the time frame of the open house? Also, what will I be meeting them about? Lastly, when I call do I refer to myself as Ms. X or my just my first and last name? Do I refer to the parents as Ms./Mr. or just their first and last names? If I must use Ms./Mr., how will I find out if they are Mrs., Dr., etc.? What to do if I can’t pronounce their names. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
OK, deep breaths. An Open House is typically set within a time frame; people come and go as they choose. You may want to email back and ask whether you have a particular location if it wasn't already spelled out. If it was, then cut and paste it onto the email for the parents. Also, expect that in the next few days you'll be getting info on what you're supposed to cover with them. I imagine you'll be introducing yourself as their kids' teacher. Be pleasant and friendly. Introduce yourself as Miss Futureteacher, and sign the email the same way. As far as meeting them, you may want to ask: Now, whose parents are you? Or, "Hi, I'm Miss Futureteacher" and put out your hand. The oods are very good that they'l respond with "Hi, we're Dr. and Mrs. Smith."
How are you to contact them--by mail or phone? If by mail, address your note to "The family of Student Smith." If by phone, use first and last names: "Have I reached Susan Smith?" Either way, introduce yourself as their student's teacher, say you want to let them know that Open House will be held at such and such a time, and that you hope you'll see them in room ___. Nothing elaborate, just a positive contact.
I would ask the assistant principal for clarification regarding the purpose of the open house meeting. I have advisory students, but I have never met with their parents at open house. If I did meet with them, I would only be able to provide very general information considering the advisory model at my school. I introduce myself by first and last name, and refer to the parents as Mr./Mrs. If I'm not sure of their titles, sometimes I will just begin the phone call with, "Hi, can I speak with ____'s mother (or father, grandparent, etc... whomever is listed in the computer system for that student!)
My school usually has an open house or meet and greet for the whole school all at the same time. I would contact the principal or other teachers in your grade level for more information.
Ugh, I remember my first open house last year. I was so freaked out about it. Then it came and went, and I was like, "That's it?" I was so worried about having to make small talk with parents and discuss students that I really didn't even know yet, but there were so many of them (7 class periods worth), all in and out so fast, I didn't have time to say more than, "Nice to meet you!"
