Before the School Year From Carrie Means Bitterwolf, a national-certified early adolescent generalist teacher of fifth grade at West Park Elementary School in Moscow, Idaho: ìBefore school begins in the fall, I invite all my students and their parents/guardians for a special back-to-school night in my classroom. In this informal setting, we all get to know each other and talk about our expectations and concerns. The students find their desks and cubbies (lockers), ask questions, and meet old and new friends. Parents become active in their childís learning team, organize a class advisory team, set up committees to help with activities, and arrange private conferences to discuss their goals for their child. The principal, school board members and others who work with the class also attend. As a result, I know most of the children the first day and have the support of both families and children as we work together throughout the year.î