The Open House typically takes place in the Commons located on the lowest floor of the school. In the Cafeteria, students and parents enjoy a potluck of assorted foods. The large number of attendees bringing their own dishes allow a large variety of tasty treats for everyone to enjoy. With sizable dinner portions combined with sweet dessert options, it’s one of the best parts of the night.
“The Open House dinner is definitely one of my favorite meals of the year,” said Community School director Mr.Griffin.
Before the feast, parents are encouraged to attend a student led panel discussion in room 7. Sitting at desks and chairs in the room, as if they are the students themselves.
The panel is widely considered a crucial part of the Open house.
“It’s important to let the parents know what Community School is all about from the students themselves,” said senior Julianna Sweberg.
The student group answers questions about Advanced Placement classes, the true values of Community School, and the various social aspects that make the program so special.
“Parents often wonder how the advanced educational environment and social world of the program coexist,” said senior Diana Smolens.
The question and answer format of the panel provides clear insight to the day to day learning processes of Community School itself.
As the panel ends, students, parents and faculty will mingle amongst themselves. An undervalued aspect of Open House is how parents get a firsthand impression of the program through their interactions with CSers.
“Talking with parents is something that I’m looking forward to for this year’s Open House,” junior Warren Harilal said.
The conversing between different generations provides an eye opening example as to what C.S. stands for. A place where discussion and talking to one another is the best place to grow and learn.
The final part of the event are the speeches. Select speakers deliver powerful speeches to the entire program in an attempt to convey their love for the program and how it has affected their high school careers.
“The speeches are always a really special part of the experience,” junior Sam Goldman said.
The speeches always leave a lasting impression on the audience, and serve as a valuable tool to connect all the different apexes of the evening together.
“I’m really excited to hear some of the speeches this year,” junior Momchil Yanchev said.
Overall, the Community School’s Open House is an incredible opportunity to reflect the values that the program stands for. Simultaneously, the event also provides a unique chance for parents to learn about what their children are experiencing through the unique educational program.
