Duane Ford 411 Pearson Ave Karen Piper
Superintendent Waverly, KS 66871 Board clerk
785-733-2651 785-733-2707
Oct 18, 2023
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As part of our ongoing commitment to improve and enhance the educational experience in the USD #243 Lebo-Waverly School District, I wanted to take a moment to discuss the Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) that we've been implementing for the past few years.
Although we've seen many positive outcomes from these conferences, I recognize that we may not have fully communicated the "why" behind this important initiative. So let's dive right in.
The Research Behind Student-Led Conferences
SLCs are grounded in research that indicates several significant benefits, including:
Student Ownership: This approach helps students take more control of their educational journey, building self-confidence and accountability.
Family Engagement: SLCs provide a forum for meaningful dialogue about academic progress, directly involving you in your child’s education.
Self-Assessment: Studies have shown that SLCs improve students’ ability to assess their own skills and areas for improvement.
Refocusing on Our Goals
As we continue to refine the SLC program, our goals remain clear:
1. Empower Students: Enable students to take the lead in their own educational discussions, building skills they'll use throughout their lives.
2. Enhance Communication: Offer parents deeper insights into their child's academic experience, straight from the most important source—the students themselves.
3. Build Community: Foster a collaborative environment where teachers, parents, and students work together toward academic and personal growth.
Communication
While Student-Led Conferences offer valuable insights into your child's learning journey, we recognize the importance of ongoing communication. If you ever wish to have a one-on-one conversation with any of our staff, we wholeheartedly encourage you to schedule an appointment. Open dialogue about your child's progress shouldn't be confined to a single day; it should be a continuous exchange. By maintaining a strong partnership between home and school, we enhance not just the educational experience, but also contribute positively to your child's overall well-being. Remember, strong parent-school relationships are the cornerstone of fostering resilient and successful children.
Moving Forward
Your child has already been participating in activities designed to prepare them for their SLC. These conferences aren’t just a presentation but a dialogue where your child will discuss their achievements, challenges, and future goals. This is a collaborative process, and your role in asking questions and providing feedback is invaluable.
I want to thank you for your continued support as we work together to make the Student-Led Conferences a cornerstone of our educational program. I believe this aligns perfectly with our focus on what is best for kids, and I am eager to see it continue to evolve into a strong and impactful tradition.
In Partnership for Our Children's Success,
Duane Ford, Ed.S.
Superintendent, USD #243
Lebo-Waverly School District
411 Pearson Ave., Waverly, Kansas 66871