Back to School Night was a stroll down memory lane for many Turlock parents this week.  They sat in child-sized chairs surrounded by picture books and finger paintings.  They sat quietly while teachers explained the year’s curriculum, and some even had snack time.

“Back to School Night is a time for teachers to connect with the students’ parents,” said Assistant Principal at Wakefield Elementary School Luisa Salinas.  “It is an informational night where parents have the opportunity to be in touch with their child’s education.”

Elementary school parents across Turlock attended Back to School Nights over the past week.  Teachers took the opportunity to meet their students’ parents and tell them more about the class.  During a Power Point presentation, fifth grade teacher Mrs. Estrada stressed that parents should volunteer more at Wakefield.

“I strongly encourage parents to volunteer during our fieldtrips,” said Estrada.  “It helps us as teachers manage students better and parents can be more involved in their child’s life.”  

For many parents, Back to School Night is the first time they have met their child’s teacher.  Estrada said that it helps parents to get a better understanding of the curriculum for the year as well start a relationship between parent and teacher.

“I like coming to Back to School Night because it gives me the chance to find out what my child is doing in school,” said Jesus Mejia, parent of a fifth grade student at Wakefield.  “I have to know what the expectations are for my child.”

Parents left Back to School Night with informative hand-outs, class syllabi, and a better understanding of how their child will spend the next school year.