Here are eight parent forms and Back to School Night handouts that every teacher needs to plan a stress-free open house. Whether your school calls it Meet the Teacher Night, Curriculum Night, or something else, teachers need to collect a lot of information from parents and caregivers and having the right forms is important.
Back to School Night handouts for parents
Parent sign-in sheet
When setting up for back to school night, the first thing I do is put a parent sign-in sheet by the door. That way I can easily see which parents did not attend so I can send any important handouts or parent forms home with their student the next day.
chalk & burlap Meet the Teacher forms
Parent forms and handouts
I keep a student information form for every student handy. These forms include parent contact information, the student’s address, any allergies, family information that parents need me to be aware of like who has permission to pick the child up from school.
I also include a space to list any siblings at the school. This comes in handy if a student is absent and you need to send home something important. I can then send it home with a sibling.
I send happy mail to each student at least once during the school year, and some years I send winter-themed holiday or Happy New Year cards to my families over winter break.
Meet the Teacher Newsletter
Create a Meet Your Teacher letter that tells families a little bit about you. You might include a picture of yourself and your pet. Students love to learn “fun facts” about their teacher!
editable meet your teacher newsletter
Back-to-School Night parent presentation
Use PowerPoint or Google Slides to prepare a presentation with important dates and school or classroom information.
If your school combines back-to-school night and Curriculum Night, you’ll want to provide parents with information on the curriculum you will be using, as well as handouts with the dates for quarterly benchmark testing, and state testing. Once you decide what to include in your parent presentation, find editable PowerPoint templates in these classroom kits to customize to fit your classroom.
Classroom information brochure
One of the most helpful back to school night handouts for parents is a brochure or a parent letter. You can create your own brochure or simply staple all of the different classroom information sheets together into a booklet that gives parents/caregivers an overview of the classroom rules and procedures, classroom management plan, dismissal routine, classroom schedules, supply lists, and homework requirements.
Use the editable brochure included in this kit with directions for how to log in to any platforms you use, like Class Dojo, the attendance office for absence reporting etc.
editable parent brochure source
This FREE Parent Brochure gives parents ideas for helping their child with homework. It also lists ways parents can support their student’s learning in every subject at home. Download this brochure to add to your back to school night handouts for next year if you have already started school.
Teacher contact information
Let parents know how and when they can contact you whether it be via email, a note in their child’s homework folder, or any digital platform you use. Make simple magnets with your contact info that parents can hang on a refrigerator at home or a filing cabinet at work. Building positive parent communication is important and you want parents to feel that you are accessible during the times you have set.
Volunteer signup sheet
Probably the second most important parent form to have (after the students information sheet) is a volunteer sign up sheet. Not all parents can come into the classroom to volunteer. They may have very young children at home or work during school hours. Provide ways parents can help from home if possible like prepping materials, labeling items, cutting out lamination, prepping center games etc. Find helpful tips on how to manage classroom volunteers and make their time the most productive.
Help me get to know your child
I always appreciate anything a parent or caregiver can tell me about my new students. I use this form to ask parents to tell about any concerns they or their child has, what the child’s interests are, their strengths, and anything else they would like to make me aware of.
How students go home chart
Have a single-page form to see at a glance how each student will go home. Are they bus riders, parent pickup, do they go to a daycare or another after school program? This information will also be on your student information forms but it is very helpful to have a list that you can keep by your desk or scan to make a digital copy to share with a substitute teacher.
parent information sheets source
As you prepare for Back-to-School Night, remember that these parent handouts and forms not only save you time, but also give you the information you need to begin building strong parent partnerships. By equipping parents with essential information and creating opportunities for open communication, you foster an environment where both students and families feel valued and informed. So, take a deep breath, and enjoy a successful open house that sets the stage for a fantastic year ahead!
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Visit these posts for more open house and back-to-school management tips!
10 Tips for Managing Meet the Teacher Like a Pro!
How to Do First Day of School Lesson Plans
They’re Finally Here! Our First Week of School
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