FILE:  IHAD

Cf:  JD, JDD, JDE

 

PARENT CONFERENCES

 

 

The DeSoto Parish School Board realizes that close communication between home and school is an important factor in establishing a highly effective school program.  Planned conferences between parents and teachers are an important way to bring about understanding and close cooperation between the home and school.  Close communication should be maintained through conferences with all parents, not just with those where academic or other problems suggest the need for closer communication.

 

ACADEMIC CONFERENCES

 

At least two (2) parent-teacher conferences shall be scheduled by teachers during the first semester of each school year.  At least one (1) parent or guardian of the child shall attend or participate in at least one (1) of the scheduled parent-teacher conferences.  A teacher need not require a parent or guardian to attend a conference if the conference would be unnecessary due to the student’s academic record.  Other conferences may be scheduled as the need arises.

 

If a middle school or high school student has more than one teacher, the parent or guardian may participate in the conference by conference call.

 

The School Board shall direct the Superintendent to establish regulations regarding the failure of the parent or guardian to attend at least one (1) of the scheduled parent-teacher conferences.  Said regulations shall not include any negative action against the student as a result of the parents/guardians not attending the required parent-teacher conference.

 

The principal or supervisor should be present at any parent-teacher conference when there is reason to anticipate an atmosphere of hostility.

 

If a student’s academic performance is such that it could threaten the student's ability to be promoted to the next grade level, the student’s parent/guardian shall be offered an in-person meeting with the child's classroom teacher and school leader to discuss any resources or strategies available to support and encourage the student's academic improvement.

 

DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCES

 

Parents may be required to attend a conference with their student's teacher/ principal/school counselor under the following circumstances:

 

  1. When a student is removed from a classroom by the teacher, the teacher may require that the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of the student have a conference with the teacher in the presence of the principal or his/her designee before the student is readmitted to the classroom.

  2. Upon the third removal from the same classroom during the school year, a conference between the teacher or other appropriate school employee and the student's parent, tutor, or legal guardian shall be required prior to the student being readmitted to the classroom.

  3. In any case where a teacher, principal, or other school employee requires the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of a student under eighteen (18) to attend a conference or meeting regarding the student's behavior, and, after notice, the parent, tutor, or legal guardian willfully refuses to attend, the principal or designee shall file a complaint with a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction.

  4. Prior to the suspension or recommendation for expulsion of a student, a conference shall be scheduled with the student's parent, tutor, or legal guardian and the principal, as a requirement for readmitting the student to school.  Notification of the conference shall be by telephone, or in certain cases, by certified letter.  Such conference shall be held within five (5) school days of mailing the certified letter or other contact.  On not more than one occasion each school year when the parent, tutor, or legal guardian refuses to respond, the principal may determine whether readmitting the student is in the best interest of the student.  On any subsequent occasions in the same school year, the student shall not be readmitted unless the parent, tutor, legal guardian, court, or other appointed representative responds.

 

  1. First or Second Suspension

    The principal, assistant principal, or designee in charge of discipline shall contact the student’s parent or guardian by telephone or certified letter (addressed to the address shown on the student’s school registration information.)  The telephone call or certified letter to the parent or guardian shall provide notice of the suspension and establish a date and time for a conference with the principal or designee as a requirement for readmitting the student.  The parent or guardian is required to be in attendance at the conference.  If the parent or guardian fails to attend the required conference within five (5) school days of mailing the certified letter or other contact with the parent, the truancy law shall become effective.  Every effort shall be made at the conference to see that the student and the parent or guardian receive all possible help through counseling and aid from agencies outside of the school to help prevent further disciplinary problems with the student.

 

  1. Third Suspension

    The principal, assistant principal, or designee in charge of discipline shall contact the student’s parent or guardian by telephone or certified letter (addressed to the address shown on the student’s school registration information.)  The telephone call or certified letter to the parent or guardian shall provide notice of the suspension and establish a date and time for a hearing with the principal as a requirement for readmitting the student.  The hearing shall be held by the principal with the parent or guardian and student present.  A decision shall be made following the hearing as to when the student may reenter the school and that the fourth suspension shall be a recommendation for expulsion.  Every effort shall be made at this time to see that the student and the parent or guardian receive all possible help through counseling and aid from agencies outside the school to help prevent further disciplinary problems with the student.

 

  1. Fourth Suspension

    The principal, assistant principal, or designee in charge of discipline shall contact the student’s parent or guardian by telephone or certified letter (addressed to the address shown on the student’s school registration information.)  The telephone call or certified letter to the parent or guardian shall provide notice that his/her child has been indefinitely suspended with a recommendation for expulsion from school and that the parent shall be contacted by the Superintendent or his/her designee as to the recommendation for expulsion and the date of the expulsion hearing.

 

Approved:  May, 2004

Revised:  January 8, 2013

Revised:  January 8, 2019

Revised:  January 6, 2022

 

 

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:233, 17:406.7, 17:406.9, 17:416

La. Children's Code, Art. 730, Art. 731

Board minutes, 3-2-95, 1-8-13, 1-8-19, 1-6-22

 

DeSoto Parish School Board