Parents and faculty open discussion about the purpose of Open House

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, Samo held their school-wide open house for the first time in two years, reinstating the annual tradition after last year’s cancellation due to norovirus. Open House has alway been an informative event, however this year it prompted discussion between parents, staff and students about a more meaningful use for the night. “As a parent going into Open House, I was confused as to what I was doing and where I needed to go. There definitely needs to be more information emailed out to parents as to what to do when we go there, what will be addressed and where all the teachers are located,” Samo parent Siobhan Meyer said.  Open House was first introduced to students in elementary school, and after roughly 13 years of schooling many students, parents and staff believe that there is no need for it anymore. Many parents misunderstood that teachers would be grouped by department or subject matter and would be presenting information about their courses in special locations around the campus. “To be completely honest, I was expecting to walk into a classroom full of parents. Maybe see art on the walls, or anything that would resemble what they did throughout the year. But instead, I got lost trying to find my kid’s teachers and got confused figuring out the whole format,” Samo parent Amelia Roster said. Math Department Chair Marae Cruce clarified the main purpose of Open House.  “Open House is a time for students and parents to come and talk to teachers of the courses they will be taking next year. This way, they get a sneak peak and advice into what they will be dealing with next year,” Cruce said.  She also explained that despite many parents’ intents, Open House is not the best time for parents to come in and discuss their child. If they choose to do so, a conference outside of school will be set up. Open House is mainly to talk to teachers about the curriculum and what has been and will be accomplished throughout the school year.  The issues with Open House were brought to the Samo administration, and now faculty is in a revision-discussion process.