On Saturday October 25th and Wednesday October 29th, The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology welcomed the parents of rising 6th grade and 9th grade students for a Fall Open House.
“An open house is when we open up the school in order for families and students to see the school physically instead of online,” said Ms. Robles, the school’s payroll secretary, who helped coordinate the event.
During the Open House, parents and family members had the opportunity to check out where their student might spend their middle school and/or high school years.
“The open house is a space where students and families come to the school to see opportunities and meet staff members. It’s an opportunity to get to know the place,” said Mr. Medina, the school’s community coordinator, who also helped plan and run the events.
This year’s open house events were held in early fall, in order to coincide with the release of school applications.
“Middle school and high school applications open in October and the deadline isn’t until January so (the open houses) allows family members to see the school before they have to make their decision,” said Ms.Robles
This year’s open house was organized by a group of staff members. In addition to Ms. Robles and Mr. Medina, physical education teacher Mr. Trawally, assistant principal Ms. Lopes and principal Mr. Lincoln all contributed to planning and organizing the events.
“The first open house was hosted on a Saturday when parents might not have to go to work. We also had an open house during the school day to help other parents get here. (MS/HS223) hasn’t done that before,” said Mr. Medina.
This schedule gave visitors a new experience by giving them the opportunity to see classes in action during the school day. This provides a unique view for parents as it allows them to see how students could spend their daily school life.
“Hosting an open house during the school day is very rare,” said Mr. Medina
One of the fun parts of the events was the small souvenirs that students and parents received at the open house. The souvenirs, which included pens and keychains, are seen as a way to help families remember their visit long after they have left the open house.
”We give out souvenirs to think about the audience and to give them something nice and when they go home and have their gift they will think about our school or even when they show their friends, they’ll be asking, ¨Oh where did you get that?¨ and the conversation will have to do with our school,” said Mr. Medina.
So what is it that sets The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology apart from other schools?
“I’m a little biased,” said Ms. Robles who not only is a staff member but went to MS223 and HS223 as a student.
“But you get certain opportunities that other schools don’t usually give,” said Ms. Robles.
The open houses demonstrate the importance of programs at MS/HS223 and the support that students and families can expect when they enroll at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology.
“The opportunities are endless and the sports are really good on top of that. You don’t have to travel out of the Bronx to get really great opportunities. There are many good teachers around this school and incredible staff that can get you ready for college and for your future,” said Mr. Medina.
Upcoming open houses will take place on Saturday November 8 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and on Saturday November 22 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the school.
