(Gary, IND) – The Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) invites all families to participate in the district’s first Parent Teacher Conference of the school year, taking place on Friday, October 17, 2025. This important event provides families with a valuable opportunity to connect directly with teachers, discuss student progress, and collaborate on strategies for academic growth and success.
In support of this districtwide engagement, Friday, October 17 will also be a synchronous E-Learning Day for all students. This format allows families the flexibility to attend conferences while ensuring learning continues from home. Additionally, the day will be filled with excitement as West Side Leadership Academy celebrates Homecoming, marking a memorable occasion for students, staff, and the community.
Why Attendance Matters
Parent Teacher Conferences are a cornerstone of strong family-school partnerships. These meetings help parents and guardians understand where their students stand academically, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate achievements. Active family engagement is proven to have a positive impact on student performance, motivation, and overall school experience.
The Parent Teacher Conference follows a successful Parent Engagement Week, where families across the district participated in training sessions, workshops, and resource events aimed at strengthening home-school connections. As part of its ongoing efforts, the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team will continue to empower parents during the conferences by introducing the Parent Playbook.
Introducing the Parent Playbook
The Parent Playbook is designed to help families make the most of their conference experience. Inside, parents will find:
· Guided Questions to ask teachers about academic progress and classroom engagement
· Tips for Building Positive Relationships with school staff
· Resource Information about available supports and programs across the district
This resource equips families with the tools they need to feel confident, informed, and actively involved in their child’s education.
Stay Connected Families are encouraged to visit www.garyschools.org to explore upcoming events, access the Parent Page, and view previous Parent Power Hour videos that highlight strategies and resources to support
student success. Parents can also share feedback and suggest topics for future sessions by completing the Parent Survey, located on the Parent Page.
“Engaged parents are the heartbeat of student success,” said Chelsea Whittington, Chief of Public and Community Engagement. “We are excited to continue building strong partnerships with our families, ensuring every student has the support they need to thrive.”
For more information about Parent Teacher Conferences, contact your child’s school or visit the district website.