The transition between middle school and high school can be a difficult journey for both parents and students as they change campuses, programs and teachers. To help ease this process, on the night of Nov. 29, Coral Gables Senior High hosted its annual Parent Night from 5 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Throughout the evening administration, academy leaders and students stood ready for inquiries made by attendees who were curious about Gables’ offers.
From 5 to 6 p.m. Gables introduced the magnet academies, electives and classes available to future Cavaliers and their parents in the 6000 cafeteria. Walking through the cafeteria doors, parents were handed informational pagers as they got a view of booths, posters and more.
Each academy had a table present with respective students and administration equipped with knowledge and experiences, as well as informational posters and exemplary accomplishments. Those present were able to answer the questions of curious parents and eighth graders, while providing a personal opinion on their journey. Showcasing published works and award-winning ideas from Cavaliers, Gables displayed their spirit and pride in all aspects of excellence.
As attendees poured out of the cafeteria’s doors, they were either guided towards the auditorium for the International Baccalaureate presentation or pointed towards the 9000 cafeteria for the Academy of Finance presentation.
As IB parents took up their seats inside the auditorium, attendees were received by Ms. Van Wyk, Gables’ IB Coordinator and IB Executive Council members. An initial speech from Ms. Van Wyk gave parents an introduction to both the program’s requirements and success in Gables. The previously-prepared powerpoint served as the foundation throughout the showcase, as it slowly introduced differing student testimonials. These student-led speeches gave parents a look into a Cavalier’s reasoning for initially choosing Gables’ IB program over that of other school and Cambridge programs offered.
“We wanted parents to know that within IB a lot of people know each other and within that, we all help each other. We all know IB is hard, but when you are doing it with somebody, it is not as bad. Yes, everybody is competitive, but we are trying to show you that we are here to help you. We can come together and commiserate with each other,” junior Michelle Hernandez said.
Both the program’s academy leader and its executive council highlighted the support system present for those in IB and debunked the myth of desperation within the program, thanks to the presence of study groups and class-cooperation. When introducing attendees to the structure of the IB curriculum, the speakers pointed out the array of both Honors, Pre-IB and actual IB classes Gables offers, as well as the path a student in the program travels through to receive their diploma. Both IB Executive members and IB students presented their own experiences taking their respective classes, giving insight on the program’s educators, subject-selection and in-class experiences.
“I told [the parents] that I picked Gables mainly because of inspiration from my sister, who graduated and is successfully studying law in a college in New York. Seeing her experiences made me want to be in a similar environment, one that would push me to be the person I am today,” junior Mia McLean said.
Inside the 9000 cafeteria, parents were greeted by Ms. Hernandez, AOF’s Lead Teacher and the Parent Teacher Student Association, who had prepared a presentation for all attendees. The powerpoint informed them on the benefits and uniqueness of AOF, which was described as a flexible and creative program.
Ms. Hernandez emphasized the theme of “fitting in” a program with a different outlook than others offered at Gables. Whether students and their parents looked for more challenging Honors and AP classes or a paced, standard-level schooling, they could find both within AOF.
“And I keep saying that word ‘fit’ because it’s so important. We talked about the opportunities for the kids; you have your AOF classes, you also have your electives; you have more options for [students] in AOF. You can be part of the C3 program…which is the Cavaliers Conquer College, where you get your associate’s degree in three years. And that’s something pretty much exclusive to AOF,” Ms. Hernandez said.
Diving deeper into the academy’s requirements, Ms. Hernandez expanded on the internship required during junior year, a topic that interested many parents. She focused on the vision for Cavaliers, not just during their high school years, but after them. Throughout her presentation, Ms. Hernandez introduced the PTSA, and their dedication during Give Miami Day to raise funds for Gables’ media center.
“[The PTSA] talked about how they support the school and how they supported the media center, also because they raised almost $12,000 treats… I’m very excited. And we talked about the vision of what that space is going to be. It’s a shared vision between the faculty, the staff and the students. It’s not just my space, but it’s also their space, and I am just the curator of that space,” Ms. Hernandez said.
After both academies’ presentations came to a close at 7 p.m., attendees were guided through Gables through a tour led by Student Activities members. Placed strategically in groups of three around the school, Cavaliers took parents on trip around the entire school, walking up and down stairs, in and out of hallways.
As they viewed the school’s design, parents were free to ask questions, now more extensive in their reach, about clubs, sports and teachers. Students answered, offering their own involvement’s knowledge and experiences to the attendees’ listening ears.
When they had finished scouting the campus in 30-45 minutes, accompanied by a younger generation, the parents were led to the school’s open exits. Hoping to leave a mark on both parents and what could be a generation of future Cavaliers, Parent Night was brought to an end. Leaving the campus with a newfound understanding of Gables’ academies, electives and ground, parents would go on to consider their options in deciding their child’s future.
