Open House 2019 featured performances and demos
Physics teacher Ms. Pink explains a concept to incoming freshman during Open House.
Photo Morgan Orgeron
Show Choir performs for visitors during Open House. Photo by Morgan Orgeron
The 2019 Open House event took place on Tuesday, Apr. 9. The event mostly took place for the incoming freshmen and their families to walk around campus and find out about classes, clubs, and other extracurriculars offered at AHS.
First, a presentation took place from 5:30 to 6 pm in the gym where students and their parents learn about what highschool and their freshman year at AHS will be like. In addition to receiving important information, parents were also treated to performances and demonstrations. One of the highlights of Open House was the AHS Show Choir’s performance from 6:30-6:45 in the bowl, with beautiful singing and choreographed dances. The Stunt team also gave an exciting demonstration from 7:00 to 7:15 in the quad.
Throughout the night there was a Petting Zoo outside Agriscience Department, with a goat, sheep, and horse available to touch. Food samples and demonstrations were offered in the Food Service and Hospitality Department/Hilltop Cafe in room D1-D4. The Tiny House potting shed/greenhouse, built on a trailer for portability, which was built by the Ag Mechanics students, was on display as well as a dump trailer. The Ag Mechanics students have been working on that project for the past two years.
In room 1204 the Spanish 1 classes held a “Salsa Taste-a-Thon.” Students and their parents could enjoy chips, hot and mild salsa options, water, and horchata. Spanish 2 students and teachers held an “International Food Court” in room 1203, where parents and students could try a large variety of dishes from around the world and vote on their favorites. Students prepared the dishes and had posters on displays with the food.
The Science Department offered sample labs and demonstrations in room 1108. The Physics, Robotics, and Biology teachers all gave demos of labs and projects that students learn about in the courses. Physics teacher Ms. Pink said, “Open House is important for students and their parents so they can know what to expect in the upcoming year and show off what they have done in the current year.”
The Visual Arts, English, Math, History, Physical Education, Performing Arts, and the Learning Center departments also had teachers available in designated rooms to talk to parents and students. “What I learned about her classes was that the teachers genuinely care about their students and want them to succeed,” said parent Brandon Stieler of his daughter Moselle’s teachers. “They are proactive in their students’ education and growth and seem to try to develop positive relationships with them.”
In front of the “B” building there were information booths for the Health Science Department, Wellness Center, and Counseling department. All the AHS clubs had student representatives at booths giving out information about their clubs. “Attending Open House with my daughter is important to me because I believe in understanding her perspective, showing support, and meeting the teachers in person,” Stieler added.
In the library the Design and Media Arts Pathway, the Systems Diagnostics & Service/Repair Pathway, Education Pathway, and Software & Systems Development Pathway all were represented with displays.