As Murray students settle into the rhythm of the new school year, an important milestone is right around the corner. Parent-Teacher Conferences for the fall semester begin the week of September 20, 2026.

These short face-to-face meetings are more than just a quick routine check-in. Decades of educational research show that when parents and teachers team up, students win.

The Power of Showing Up

When you take time to sit down with your child’s teacher, you send a clear message to your child: Your education matters to me.

The numbers back this up:

• Better Grades: A massive review of 448 independent studies by the American Psychological Association found that parental involvement directly boosts student test scores, grades, and classroom motivation.

• Higher Attendance: Students whose parents regularly check in with schools maintain an average attendance rate of 98%.

• Long-Term Growth: Research published in educational journals shows that simple, regular attendance at parent-teacher conferences during middle school correlates with higher entrance exam scores in high school and beyond.

• Stronger Graduation Rates: Students who get regular academic support and encouragement at home are 34% less likely to drop out of school.

Conferences give teachers insight into your child's personality, and they give you practical tools to help with learning at home. It is a true team effort.

Fall Conference Schedule

Mark your calendars for this week's conference schedule across the district:

• Monday, Sept. 21: Riverview Jr. High & Hillcrest Jr. High Schools

• Tuesday, Sept. 22: Murray High School

• Wednesday, Sept. 23 – Thursday, Sept. 24: District Elementary Schools

Note: Please check with your individual school and teachers for specific meeting times, room assignments, or online sign-up links.

No School on Friday, September 25

There will be no school for students on Friday, September 25, 2026. This tradition gives our hard-working Murray teachers a comp day to offset the late evening hours they spend meeting with families throughout the week. (Mark your calendars: Spring 2027 conferences will take place the week of February 7, 2027).

We look forward to seeing our Murray families in the halls this week!

BY THE NUMBERS: THE IMPACT OF PARENT INVOLVEMENT

• 448 Studies: Proven link between parent involvement and higher student academic performance.

• 98% Attendance: Average school attendance rate for students with actively involved parents.

• 34% Drop in Risk: How much active parental support reduces a student's risk of dropping out.