Homework Time...For Parents 

 As the first quarter of the school year winds down and, as SJV parents, as well as most other Brookfield school parents, are marking our calendars with PTS conference times, this is a good time to do some of our homework. 

The parent-teacher conference is an opportunity to get a better perspective on your child's educational and social growth. With the average conference lasting a mere 15 minutes, parents should do some of their own "homework" to make the most of this time with your child's teacher. For a productive and positive meeting, keep in mind the following tips before, during and after your conference.

Before you go:

▪ Find out whether your child should or should not be at the conference. Every teacher and/or school will have a preference concerning this. ( At SJV, our children our required to be present at their conference.)

▪ Talk with your child several days before the conference. Ask your child what questions he or she would like you to ask the teacher. Ask your child what he or she thinks the teacher will bring up. Ask about your child's favorite and least favorite subjects. Without judgment, listen for clues about his or her concerns in these questions and comments.

▪ Review your child's report card. If the school provides a web-based grading system, log on to review homework and project scores.

▪ Make a list of questions you have. Also, list your child's special interests and hobbies. This personal information will help the teacher better understand your child and teach to those interests.

▪ Consider telling the teacher about any family changes or special situations that might affect your child's behavior, academic performance or energy level.

At the conference:

▪ Be on time. Not only does this show respect for the teacher, but this also makes the most of your allotted time.

▪ Ask your prepared questions. Ask the teacher to explain any educational term that is not familiar to you.

▪ Remain open to constructive criticism. Your child may act differently, whether this is better or worse, in the classroom setting.

▪ Listen carefully for what goals the teacher is setting for your child, and ask how these goals will be monitored and evaluated. (At St. John Vianney, students are present and they set goals with the teacher before their conference.)

▪ Agree on a plan of action that includes you, your child and the teacher. If needed, set a time for a follow-up discussion.

After the conference:

▪ Follow up on all suggestions your child's teacher makes; include your child in the discussion.

▪ Keep track of your child's progress. Regularly review classroom material, homework and tests. Frequently monitor the web-based report system and teacher website, if available at your school.

▪ Keep in touch with your child's teacher. It is not necessary to wait for a formal conference to seek out assistance from your child's teacher.

Parents, you are your child's first and best advocate. With some planning and forethought, the parent-teacher conference is an effective bridge building tool. Good luck to you and your student as this first semester comes to a close.

Former Principal Colleen Terry and school parent Lisa Greco contributed to this article. 

On Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 7:00 pm, the Saint John Vianney and St. Dominic's Strings and Band Orchestras will present the first annual Fall Fest. This concert will highlight Halloween songs and college fight songs. Recognizing the need for the advanced students to perform more often and, learning of other orchestras that give Halloween concerts, strings and band instructors Maria Gesiorek and Joan Lueneburg began considering a fall performance.  After learning St. John Vianney music teacher Jared Ziegler was teaching college fight songs to some of the same students, their idea of a Halloween-Football Fan themed concert resulted in the combined schools'  First Fall Fest. Students will perform in Halloween costumes.

While any performance carries a responsibility to be prepared, a Halloween themed concert will put students at ease as they show off their costumes before the big day and perform in a family friendly environment.  The Strings, as well as the combined Bands (5-8th), will be playing three Halloween songs, the Jazz band one.  Added to the mix will be Jared Ziegler performing on tuba, an instrument he played in high school in addition to saxophone.  He will be joining the students in the Star Spangled Banner song, along with the fight songs from Michigan, Ohio, Northwestern and Wisconsin universities. 

Both Ms. Gesiorek and Mrs. Lueneburg hope this Fall Fest will become a tradition.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the music students to present without the pressure of a year-end recital or formal concert.  And with twelve parents playing their own instruments along with these fight songs, this concert promises to be anything but formal!

Maria Gesiorek started the Strings Program at SJV in 1991. Previous to that, Ms.Gesiorek was a violin and viola teacher for three years at Alverno College in the Community Arts Department and for ten years at Carroll College Project Create. Her teaching includes St. Dominic School and private students as well. She loves playing her viola and violin and performing in the chamber groups. Her constant goal is to help her students develop real love for music and enjoyment in playing their instruments. She hopes to achieve this by teaching them good practicing habits and technical skills, so they will accomplish all of their own musical goals. 

Joan Lueneburg taught general and instrumental music in the Milwaukee Public Schools for ten years, general music at St. Anthony's in Menomonee Falls for two years, and subbed in Elmbrook for two years. She has directed youth and adult vocal and handbell choirs for 24 years. Mrs. Lueneburg has been teaching privately and accompanying choirs and solos for 34 years. She has taught splitting her days between SJV and St. Dominic's since 1999. She believes that playing an instrument provides students with the opportunity to express themselves and excel at an individual level, as well as in a group. Being involved in music not only strengthens the students personally, but also crosses over to other areas of education.

Jared Ziegler, whose most recent saxophone performance was this past Sunday at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, teaches K5-8th grade music. He has two degrees in music; a Bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, and a Master’s degree in saxophone performance from Northwestern University. Mr. Ziegler has performed many styles of music with a variety of groups, most recently performing with the Kenosha Symphony. One of his personal goals is to instill in students a desire to seek out music in their daily lives and to be an active participant, not only as a listener, but as a music maker. 

Students, get your costumes ready.  Parents, ransack your closets and pull your old college sweatshirts!  Join us for this spooktacular show!

Fall Fest   Tuesday, October 30, 2007  7:00 pm   SJV Gym, 17500 W. Gebhardt Road, Brookfield