8 hours

8 hours of conferences...which actually turned into something like 8.5 but honestly after 7, who is really counting. Truth be told, they weren't terrible and what I mean when I say that is no one tried to attack me. I wouldn't say they went well either. I think I had 3 really good conferences. The rest were full of bad news and tears...literally. I think parents don't realize exactly how big of a deal 3rd grade is and 1st quarter conferences is the time when they are hit with the news full on. Even though I send home graded work full of Fs and Ds, they don't make the connection until they see the grade card. I don't know how many parents looked at me and said, "My child has only ever gotten A's and B's." All I can do is shrug and say, "Welcome to third grade."

After conferences I always feel so terrible...like I'm not doing enough to help the students...like it's my fault they're not doing well. It is partly my fault. I can't blame it all on other factors. The other 3rd grade teacher, though, is having the same sort of issue so at least we're both terrible I guess. I just always feel likeI should be doing more...like there's something I'm missing...like I'm not giving them my best. But I think if I give them any more of myself, I'll have nothing left.

So 1st quarter conferences are over and I can breathe a deep sigh. Now the task is going to be to fix all these problems.