Back to School Night Ideas

Have a successful back to school night! As summer is just getting under way, I am already thinking ahead to the next back to school night. Gathering ideas and making preparations in the summer is a great idea, because things can get a tad hectic for teachers once school begins. Back to school night is a time when you get to make an impression. Of course, it’s a time to share about the curriculum, the rules, and the procedures with the parents, but all eyes will be on you as you present the information. Being organized is a key factor in helping make the night a success.  In order to help you have a stress-free back to school night, I have put together a bundle of resources.

Back to School Night for Elementary Teachers



What does the pack include?

Back to School Powerpoint Presentation - This is an editable Powerpoint template. It means you can ADD images and text to the slides. You can use different font and insert pictures or clip art over the top, but you CAN NOT change the slides I have included. You can add more slides though if you want. The powerpoint includes 34 slides with predetermined titles. It also has 7 slides that have backgrounds and images, but they do not have titles. You will want to read the slide titles below to make sure they will work for you. For each slide in the presentation, there is a themed picture that goes with the topic of the page. There is also a matching solid colored background. Many of the images included are 'real' items, such as a photo of shoes for the dress code slide, kids eating lunch for the lunch/snack slide, etc. I liked the look of using the real photos rather than just using clip art.

Classroom Newsletter Templates and Tips

Do you ever have parents say things like, "But I didn't know my child was going to have a test on the American Revolution" or "But I wasn't aware there was an upcoming field trip." That's right!  I have had parents in the past say things like that, and my response is always, "I'm so sorry, but it was in the class newsletter."  With that said, I have taken some steps over the years to help parents be aware of the fact that a newsletter is being sent home. In addition, I try to help them realize how important it is to read the information. When sending a newsletter, it is important to choose a method that works for you and be consistent. 

Tips for Choosing a Type of Newsletter
  1. Go Digital - In a day of desktops and iPhones, a digital file can be a highly desirable means for receiving a classroom newsletter.  Parents are on the go!  With a digital file they can open the attached newsletter any place they have access to email. Clearly mark the subject line of the email with 'important classroom newsletter', so it reminds parents to take time to read.
  2. Paper can be a Plus - Parents might be able to read the digital file on the go, but they don't always have access to a printer.  The newsletter might be read by the parents, but the information might also be forgotten.  With a paper copy, parents can stick it on the refrigerator or hang it on a bulletin board. Having it visible gives daily reminders of upcoming tests, curriculum being studied, or events happening in the near future.  
  3. Digital and Paper - I prefer to send both digital and paper classroom newsletters. You know the saying, 'two is better than one'. Well, using two methods of sending home the newsletter increases the chances parents will read it and stay informed. I have found it is worth my time to attach it in an email, as well as send it home in a weekly folder.
  4. Link Up the News - Another way to keep parents informed is to save the newsletter and upload it as a Google document. Add a link to the document on your class website.  Parents can then reread the newsletters any time they want. They can also print a second copy if they lost the first one.  It's convenient for parents, because they have access to all newsletters throughout the year.  With this method, there is no excuse for not knowing what's happening. 

Classroom Newsletter Templates



Planning to go the paper route?