Roll out the welcome mat:

• Send invitations to family members.
  
• Promote the night with your students.
  
• Send a thank-you letter for attending.
  

Create a friendly environment:

• Use name tags.
  
• Ask family member to sit at student's desk.
  
• Have a larger chair available, if needed.
  
• Have students leave welcome notes on their desks and ask family members to respond to notes and leave for students.
  
• Display students' work and label work areas.
  
• Post curriculum and schedule.
  

Plan exactly what you will say:

• Openly welcome family members.
  
• Give overview of daily routine and academic plans for the school year.
  
• Explain discipline plan and homework policy.
  
• Prepare a handout with important information/policies.
  
• End on a positive, caring note stressing the importance of working as a team.