How to Host a Virtual Back to School Night

Worried about hosting a Virtual Back to School Night? Don’t be, I can help!

Many educators and school buildings are faced with the reality, that this might be the first time students will not return to school from summer break. As unfortunate as the situation is, it does not mean that educators and schools need to scrap their yearly Back to School Night. So let me just say, DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT PLANS!!!! It is so important!

Why is it Important to host a Virtual Back to School Night?

• Meet students and parents
• Connect with students and parents
• Communicate important information with families
• Collect information
• Engage with students

It is more important than ever, during the current pandemic, to host the most amazing Back to School Night! This is an opportunity for all adults to show children they are loved and cared for. The dynamics in this opportunity will be a special time for parents and teachers to form a relationship, that will reach children like never before.

Hosting a Digital Back to School Night for E-Learning should definitely not be a one time thing. In fact, educators should utilize this opportunity when schools return to normal. Why? Well, no matter what the event is, there are parents and families who cannot attend. All educators should be using this technique to reach all families for every event, even if it is not in person. When parents and families cannot attend a Back to School Night, Meet the Teacher Night, Open House, Conference Night, etc… they should be provided with a virtual opportunity so that they are not left out.

Essentially, educators should be implementing a “virtual” / “contactless” opportunity for parents and families for any occasion: Back to School Night, Meet the Teacher Night, Open House, Conference Night, etc… This will in fact, help to foster all relationships and communications. So if this will be your first time, this will be an experience to save in alter for all future events!

To sum it up, this is WHY you should Host a Virtual Back to School Night:

• Foster relationships
• Visual and verbal communications with families and students
• Convenience to fit any family schedule or dynamic
• Opportunity for students to see and hear teacher
• Creating an event to be a part of

Ideas of What to Create in a Digital Format:

• Sign-in form
• Get to know your teacher
• Supply list
• Daily schedule
• Grading, conduct and expectations
• Virtual slideshow
• Sign Up Forms for volunteers, donations, transportation, etc…
• Parent Questionnaire
• Virtual Invitation
• Schedule Video Chats (mini-conferences) with an invitation

Ideas for Meeting Students Virtually the first time:

• Classroom Photographs
• Photographs of your family
• Share images of your at home work space
• Play would you rather, two truths and a lie, twenty questions
• Grab a co-host like the school counselor or a resource teacher
• Plan a dress up party like favorite hats
• Model how a classroom meeting would look

Virtual Back to School Night Resource:

Need some help organizing your Virtual Back to School Night? Does your school district utilize Google or Microsoft classroom?

Included in this editable resource:

• Google Drive and Microsoft One-drive User Directions
• 12 files
• 6 Forms: Sign In, Volunteers, Health, Photo/Video Release, PTA, Student Information Questionnaire
• Interactive PowerPoint (with clickable buttons)
• Excel Classroom Donation Sign Up
• Other Documents to think about: Frequently Asked Questions, How and Why to use Sign Up Genius, How to Schedule 3-5 Minute Virtual Zoom Meet and Greet Chats and District Meal Benefits.

Benefits of this Model:

This model offers multiple opportunities to families. Starting with the ability to not keep family members waiting in a line to speak to you. Avoiding small spaces with multiple people scrunched all together. With this innovative practice, families can go at their own pace and focus on the information delivered by the teacher. Also, this will allow families the flexibility to attend the event at a point in the time frame that works for them.

Looking for more ideas? Click below to read about my Paperless Open House!