The open house document provides information for parents on the upcoming school year including: - The goals of the open house which are to help parents understand the curriculum, expectations, and how to support their child's learning. - An overview of the curriculum goals and a detailed syllabus for parents to take home with suggestions for supporting learning at home. - Examples of in-class activities for parents to participate in to experience the classroom. - Details on student evaluations, grading, homework expectations, and upcoming events. - Explanations of classroom and school policies including behavior, tardiness, absences, discipline, emergencies, and transportation. - Opportunities for parents to become involved as volunteers.

1. Open House
School Name
Date

9. Welcome Parents!
• Welcome parents to your classroom.
• List the goals for the open house:
– To help parents understand the work their child will be doing throughout the
school year.
– To explain your expectations of their child.
– To share information about how parents can support their child’s learning.

10. Curriculum Goals
• Describe what the students will study during the school year, including
the overall curriculum plans and goals.
• Include a detailed, colorful syllabus for parents to take home.
• Suggest ways that parents can help their child learn, such as reading
together for 20 minutes a day.
• Use more than one slide to cover this information.

11. In-class Activity
• Invite parents to take part in an activity, and
• then discuss it. Some ideas include:
• Solving a math problem, such as estimating the number of beans in a
jar.
• Writing an encouraging letter to their child.
• Going on a classroom scavenger hunt for their child's work, the books
their child likes best, and messages from their child.

12. Class Information
• Explain how students will be evaluated and graded.
• Tell parents when report cards and progress reports will be sent home.
• Describe the amount of homework students can expect.
• Provide a calendar of upcoming events, such as class field trips and
parent-teacher conferences.

13. Class Rules
• Explain the behavior you expect in your classroom.
• Your class rules might include:
• Be respectful.
– Be responsible.
– Follow directions.
– Be punctual.
– Be organized.
– Be a self-starter.
– Be prepared.

14. School Policies
• Explain how the school addresses academic and behavioral problems.
• Outline the school's policies regarding tardiness, absence, and
discipline.
• Provide policy information about:
– School cancellations for bad weather and other reasons.
– Emergency procedures.
– Transportation.
– After-school activities.
– Volunteering.

15. Get Involved!
• List opportunities for parents to become involved in volunteer
programs, advisory councils, and the PTA.
• Provide sign-up sheets for parents who are interested in helping to
plan parties or special projects for your class.

16. Questions?
• Take questions from parents.
• Ask parents to fill out a questionnaire about their child.
– Have them describe areas in which they would like to see their child improve.
– Have them describe their child's personality, interests, and talents.

17. Handouts
• Translate handouts for parents for whom English is a second language.
• Handouts might include:
– A list of school phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and Web site addresses.
– Copies of classroom and school policies.
– A list of materials that children will need for class.