On September 11, parents filled the parking lots of Coral Gables Senior High School and, at approximately 6:30 pm, they made their way to their child’s first period to meet the teachers they work with everyday. Selected students were stationed throughout the school to help those parents who may not know their way around.
“I enjoyed directing parents because they looked exactly like I did on my first day: lost!” said sophomore Jordan Payne.
Once situated in the first period classes, the sound of the bell went off to signal the start of the event. A video from the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Carvalho, played to explain to parents the advancements that are being put into place for their child. Each class after first period had a time increment of ten minutes to explain what they consisted of as well as to give the parents an understanding of the amount of workload their child will have.
“I had a lot of homework to do, but coming to Open House with my parents is a tradition. Because they come to back to school night and meet my teachers, they are able to put a face to a name when I’m referring to one of them,” said senior Linda Villa.
Teachers were also able to experience the commotion of the night and see the flustered parents move from class to class.
“I gained insight into the parents’ interest in the school and its academics. It was funny to see the parents who had just come from opposite sides of the school! They were exhausted; acting like they had traveled for miles. I even heard them suggest wearing track shoes next time,” said Mrs. Peterson, the AP English Language and SAT Prep teacher.
Administrators stood in front of the New Building to assist parents who had any issues and also to introduce themselves as they moved to their next destination. Overall, Open House proved to be successful as the night came to a close and a new found understanding was openly acknowledged.
“I find that meeting the teachers in person and seeing an overview of how they conduct their classes helps me to help my child keep on track. The Open House was very well organized and the students guiding the parents were extremely helpful and courteous,” said CGHS parent Missy Gueits.
