At the 33rd annual Back to School Night, parents converged in the FC Gym to open up the new school year, Aug. 23. From 7-9:30 p.m., they followed their child’s schedule and experienced 30-minute classes.
Principal Todd Bennett encouraged all parents to attend the event in order to show support for their children’s education.
“Because parents make the conscious decision, financially and academically, to send their children here, they are more supportive of the school,” Bennett said. “Back to School Night is just one way the parents show this.”
This night allowed teachers to explain their expectations for the year directly to parents. For new high school parents, it was also helpful to see how the requirements differ from those of the junior high.
“Back to school night helps us learn the expected direction for the year,” Richard Stewart, father of senior Megan and freshman Ryan, said. “It is very different to be a high school parent versus a junior high parent; there are different things expected of kids like Ryan, now that they are starting their high school career. It is nice to hear some of these expectations from the teachers first-hand.”
In addition to highlighting some information about academic classes, Back to School Night provided details for parents whose children are involved in band, choir and other electives.
“Back to School Night is very helpful for parents, like us, who have been involved in music groups for years,” Marilyn Wilhelm, mother of senior Rachel, said. “They require more parent participation, and we are thankful that we can be involved in the planning.”
Each year, groups take advantage of this evening to raise funds and awareness. At this year’s Back to School Night, cheer was one of the groups that seized this opportunity to support the squad.
“We do this cookie donation table every year for both the benefit of the parents and our team,” Morgan Childs, ’12, said. “I love greeting the parents and seeing their grateful faces when they take the cookies and water. It is also a good fundraiser to start off the year and offset the overall cost of the cheer program.”
For more photos from the event, check out Back to math class, Hall monitor, Meet the staff and Cookies, anyone?
