Student-led conferences are returning for a second year. These meetings, which can include an advisor and up to three teachers, require students to fill out three forms in preparation for directing the discussion.
According to Sophomore Class Leader Kristen Piehl, this student initiative is beneficial for academic success.
“Last year…I really appreciated [student-led conferences] because it allowed there to be a conversation between the advisor, the student and their parents all together in one room,” Piehl said. “Students really have an opportunity to reflect on their semester and how their classes are going, what they’re proud of, what they need to work on, and so it becomes more about what the student needs and wants for themselves,” she said.

Conferences also feature optional meetings with three teachers of the parents’ choice. Each meeting is 10 minutes long and was established to target specific classes that students may want to address and engage in further conversations.
Students received a blank course chart, goal-setting table and reflection guide for the advisor conferences to help prepare talking points.
Sophomore Eddie Sofen appreciates the emphasis on student responsibility.
“I like how there’s some coordination put on the students. It’s a time for students to plan what they want to talk about with their parents and teachers about their education,” he said.
For seniors, conferences focus more on reflecting on their time at SPA and preparing for senior projects. During advisor conferences, parents will review a senior project proposal template while students work with their parents to refine any remaining aspects of their senior projects.
Senior Raven Glaser is one senior who is conscious of this checkpoint.
“I’m just trying to be in a good place [with my senior project] by the time conferences roll around,” Glaser said.
Senior Class Leader Aimeric Lajuzan is part of the effort to boost participation for those nearing graduation who may not be as motivated.
“This year, we’re hoping for as many seniors as possible to come with their parents. Traditionally, during parent-teacher conferences, seniors do not go…We’re trying something new this year, where we’re reflecting and just debriefing with the parents,” Lajuzan said. “You can’t force parents to sign up, but we’re hoping more senior parents will come this year than they have in the past.”
Conferences are Mar. 6-7.