By Kenzie Dear and Sydeny McClane (Posted on September 16 @ 12:38 PM)

This year, families at AHJS faced many challenges during Back to School Night, including a storm, but ultimately gained valuable insights into the school year ahead. This event offered an opportunity for parents to meet teachers, hear about classroom routines, and better understand their children’s daily experiences.

Coach Saenz, a teacher and coach at AHJS, emphasized the value of these nights in strengthening parent-teacher relationships. “The parents usually attend Back to School Night. Sometimes the kids come, but it’s mainly just parents,” she noted.

AHJS organizes two separate Back to School Nights, one for sixth-grade families and another for seventh and eighth grade families to allow for more focused and personal interaction. Sra. Acosta, a Spanish teacher at the junior school, explained, “We have two different Back to School Nights, one for sixth grade parents and one for seventh and eighth grade parents.” This format ensures that parents can speak directly with their child’s teachers in a less crowded, more personal setting.

“We just went over procedures, what the day will look like for their kids,” said Coach Saenz, describing the focus of the evening. A major theme this year was the integration of technology. Teachers discussed how digital tools are used across subjects, with a noticeable shift toward reducing screen time compared to last year. Throughout the year, teachers will be talking to parents about technology use three times. The goal is to keep parents informed and aware of the new changes being implemented and how they’re affecting their children’s learning. “This year, Dr. Guthrie required us to talk about how technology is being used in our classrooms,” said Sra. Acosta.

Despite the planning, the event faced an unexpected challenge. “There was an unexpected storm that happened for the sixth graders, so all the classes from the science building moved to the main building,” said Coach Saenz. Thanks to quick thinking from administrators and staff, the event continued smoothly, and parents were still able to meet with teachers as scheduled.

“I think it’s important because it’s the parents’ opportunity to see us face to face,” said Sra. Acosta. AHJS recognizes how important it is for parents to feel comfortable and informed about their children’s school experiences. That’s why Back to School Night is so valuable, parents can meet their children’s teachers and get a better idea of what their school days are like. Coach Saenz adds, “I think it’s important just to give the parents a general idea of what’s going on here.” Back to School Night gives parents a chance to understand new school policies, curriculum updates, and learning goals.

Sra. Acosta shared, “It’s really lovely to meet y’all’s parents, to put faces to names, and to learn a little about you guys outside of school.” There are so many wonderful aspects of Back to School Night at our school, and most of them revolve around the amazing students who attend.