Parents lined up at food vendors parked outside of Westfield High School open house. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – Part of back the to school season are the open houses, where parents get to meet teachers, staff, and each other, and get information on upcoming school events.
At the Westfield High School open house last Wednesday, food vendors parked outside the school from 4 to 8 p.m., giving parents an opportunity for some good food and a chance to catch up with each other in a less formal atmosphere. The vendors were sponsored by the Council on Peer Education (COPE) to promote community building.
“I was very pleased with the turnout of our open house and all of the kind and supportive comments from parents about our school and staff. Our open house gave me a great opportunity to interact with families informally, and really has me excited for this school year. We’re off to an outstanding start and all of our teachers, administration and students are excited,” said Westfield High School Principal Charles Jendrysik.
Food was also part of the Westfield Middle School’s open house plans, with a cookout sponsored by the PTO at 5 p.m., preceding the program from 6 to 8 p.m.
This coming Thursday, September 20, there will be open houses at four of the elementary schools – Paper Mill, Abner Gibbs, Franklin Ave. and Munger Hill, from 6 to 7:30.
“Franklin Avenue’s Open House will give parents the opportunity to meet their child’s teacher, explore the classroom, and better understand the expectations of a new grade level. It is also a chance to ask questions and become better acquainted with our Franklin Family. Along with our Scholastic Book Fair, our cafeteria will be filled with representatives from a variety of community organizations that can provide information and support to all families,” said Franklin Ave. Principal Chris Tolpa about why parents should attend.
Munger Hill Principal Salvatore Frieri said at the open house they will have tables set up with representatives from the PTO, Big Y, the Scouts, Westfield youth sports, and a few other community groups. Parents will be given the opportunity to meet and hear from the administration as well as meet all their child’s teachers, whether they be regular education teachers, special education staff, related service providers, as well as their specials teachers (art, music, health, P.E., and technology). Families will also get a taste of what a typical day looks like for their kids, in addition to learning more about things they can do with their children outside of school to maximize student growth and achievement academically as well as socially and emotionally.
“We truly recommend all parents come to Open House to start the conversation with teachers about what their kids should be able to do during the course of this school year as well as to ask questions on how they can best support them at home. When kids see their parents participate in things like this, they know that they are supported and that the whole family values a love of learning,” Frieri said.
Westfield Intermediate School will hold its open house on Wed. Sept. 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
“Many of our schools are trying to make open houses more interactive,” said WPS Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, adding, “Parents need to go to meet their child’s teacher and learn about the school where their child is going.”
