SEP Conferences

Recently, we went to the boys' school for SEP (Student Educator Parent) Conferences. Since the time that I was in school, they have changed the way that these things are run. When I was in elementary school, I remember my mom and dad heading out the door for Parent-Teacher Conferences and me staying home, fretting about what my teacher would tell my parents. Would she tell them that last week she caught me passing a note? Would she tell them that I talk too much in class? What about kick soccer, yesterday I got tagged out - twice! Was that the kind of thing that they would talk about? A few times, my mom invited me to come along, but the idea of them talking about these things while I was sitting right there was embarrassing.

I worried about what was said until my parents came home. Then they would tell me that my teacher thought I was doing great in spelling and reading, but that sometimes I did visit with my neighbors too much. Basically, my parents told me that my teacher thought I was a good student and that I was doing well. Whew! What a relief!

Nowadays, as the new title implies, students are directly involved in these Conferences. I love that Ethan was there to hear his teacher say, "Ethan is doing great with his reading, his writing is getting much better too." I was so glad that Conner could hear his teacher say, "Conner has been working really hard on his fluency and I have seen big improvements." I think that hearing their teachers' words of encouragement can be so motivating for them.

I was so proud of Conner and Ethan. I was proud to see the areas that they have worked hard and improved in, but the things that I was the most happy to hear were things like, "Ethan always shows respect and follows the class rules," and, "Conner has become a self motivated student. He is a hard worker." I am happy to see them developing these life-skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

These SEP Conferences have become a great way for us to celebrate the achievements the boys are making in their schooling. Rather than having them stay at home and worry, Conner and Ethan are right there, getting encouragement and motivation first-hand.