Back-to-school night has the tendency to cause lots of stress. Here are some ideas that help me feel prepared:

• Put your students to work. I turn on some music at the end of each period and have them help me tidy up or organize. I also ask for volunteers to help me with some organizing/set up after school (I bribe them with the sweet promise of a sucker).
• Have some 3X5 note cards available. On one side, parents write a strength they see in their student and on the other side they write an opportunity for more learning, a question, a hope, etc.
• Prepare a presentation. I include the following in mine:
  1. Who I am, where I come from/my background, and why I teach
  2. What students will know by the end of the year (it’s OK if this is vague)
  3. Communication, tech, grading, and homework information
  4. Directions for note cards with an example for clarification