Spring Open House in PT
Spring Open House in PT
Springtime is elementary open house season in Peters Township ! For students in grades K-5 , this is the time of year when families are welcomed into the schools to celebrate a wonderful school year .
“ Open house in the fall is an introduction to the school ,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr . Michael Fisher . “ When we shifted the events to the spring , it became a celebration and our families and students really love it .”
Introductions are important , however , and the schools provide several opportunities for touch points with families as the year begins . Information Meetings are held at the grade or homeroom level during the first weeks of school where parents can hear directly from the teachers as they share information about classroom procedures and schedules . For students making the transition to McMurray Elementary for 4th grade , there is also a Mixer Event for students to get to know their new classmates and homeroom teacher .
Moving into the fall , parents have the opportunity to talk one on one with their child ’ s teacher during Parent / Teacher Conferences as the first grade period comes to an end .
“ We can be more successful as educators when we work as a team with parents ,” said Mr . Blair Stoehr , Principal at McMurray Elementary . “ Our goal is always to engage the parents early and give plenty of opportunity throughout the year for parents to be in the schools .”
Proactive relationships with families also help to address concerns or issues early for our students who may need a little extra support .
“ We want our families to feel comfortable reaching out at any point in the year ,” said Mr . Rob Garvey , Principal at Bower Hill Elementary . “ They never have to wait for an event or formal invitation . We are here for them .”
The shift from fall to spring open house brought out the biggest difference for our students .
“ As the year begins , students can still be timid as they are still getting to know their teachers ,” adds Garvey , “ But when they come to the spring open house , the students take charge and are proud to show their parents what they have done and introduce them to the teachers . It ’ s fun to watch .”
“ One of my favorite things about Spring Open House is all the conversations we have with families ,” said Pleasant Valley Principal Dr . Greg Marquis . “ We have all watched their children grow throughout the year and as we head into May , we can celebrate their successes and even the challenges they have overcome .”
As with so many events in our schools , open house would not be as much fun without the help of the PTA in each building . The volunteers arrange a host of food trucks for the events each year to make the Open House more of a family night out . Families can grab dinner , talk with the staff and even catch up with neighbors and friends .
Open House is always a busy night in our schools , no matter the time of year . But as our staff and families come together , we celebrate academic milestones , fun with friends and another year of fun in PT schools . eters Township
PETERS TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
PETERS TOWNSHIP | JUNE / JULY 2024 67