Meet-the-Teacher Nights Draw Parents
Parents across the Huntington School District trekked to meet-the-teacher nights over the past several weeks at all seven school buildings. They sat at the same desks, in the same rooms, as their child and learned more about each teacher's classroom program.
"Even with the threat of a storm, Finley parents turned out," Principal John Amato said. The night began in the auditorium where Mr. Amato gave a brief presentation to parents. Carly Burnett from HFEE, Alicemarie Rorke, the PTA president and Carrie Nikodem from the Special Education PTA, also addressed parents.
Finley parents met faculty members, toured the facility and asked plenty of questions. They stopped in the cafeteria and the music, art and technology rooms and looked around the gym. "It was a great night of school-community interaction and connection," Mr. Amato said.
A similar experience played out at each of the district's six other buildings. In many instances, parents were able to finally put a face with a name, since many had never before met specific teachers. They all seemed to have fun, too.
Hundreds of parents turned out at Huntington High School and navigated their way around that large building. "The event was very well attended," Principal Carmela Leonardi said. "Parents were very impressed by the caliber and professionalism of our teachers. Some lingered past the end of the night's activities for a last comment or to express their appreciation for all the work teachers do for our students."
Dr. Leonardi made a short presentation about the academic and positive climate-setting goals for the high school. Parents who count themselves among Huntington's alumni, searched through the building for locations special to them.
Like other elementary schools in the district, there were two meet-the-teacher nights at Washington Primary School, with kindergarten, first and second grade parents coming one evening and third and fourth grade parents attending on a different night. Many parents met former classmates from years gone by and laughed that they now have children attending the same schools in the district.
"Our meet-the-teacher nights went really well," Southdown Principal Michelle Marino said. "The parents were enthusiastic to come and visit their children's classrooms and speak with the teachers, as well as learn about all of the changes that happened in preparation for this school year and the activities planned for the year."
Representatives from PTA, SEPTA and the Huntington Foundation were on hand at each of the schools to sign up new members and discuss their organizations and goals.
"Parents find these nights to be interesting and informative," Superintendent John J. Finello said. "We invite all parents to stay involved and to visit our schools frequently."