For every two students at Kennedy Middle School, there's an average of one parent who shows up to parent-teacher conferences. It's this lack of involvement, Principal Theresa Kallstrom says contributes to bad grades and poor behavior.

"The parents can help the child before the problem becomes serious. If they have a lot of involvement in school," she says.

Pam Billo holds herself accountable for her two kids scholastic performance. She's never missed a conference and stays involved as Kennedy's PTO President.

"It's really the best connected way to stay with the school as far as what's going on there," Billo says.

For others, a little more removed from the school, Information about parent-teacher conferences is provided in the student-handbook, through fliers sent home and even personal phone calls. But even with all the prior warning, Kallstrom says some parents still just don't show up.

"Transportation is a big issue, they just don't have transportation to get there and sometimes parents are working in the evening work 2nd shift so when we have conferences between 430-730, they're working."

Kennedy tried holding conferences at a different hour, but turnout was even worse than it is now. So for those who's work schedule isn't compatible, most teachers say they'd meet with them at another time.

All area districts are having issues with parent-teacher conference attendance. The elementary schools on average have the best turn-out, and then it progressively slows down from there.