Middle school students and parents welcomed at Eighth Grade Night

Photo by Kevin Huang
Staff Photographer

SPHS gave incoming freshmen a taste of high school life at part one of 8th Grade Night on Wednesday, February 15. The current eighth graders and their families were welcomed to the school by Principal Janet Anderson, and visited classes around campus on tours led by ASB members.

To kick off the night, visitors watched a slideshow of pictures that showed SPHS’ students participating in Color Day, SkillsUSA Competitions, sports and other activities. Afterwards, Principal Anderson greeted the eighth graders and encouraged them to look at high school as a blank slate and an opportunity to reinvent themselves.

After introductions, the tours began. The eighth graders visited 13 different classrooms to get a feel for the variety of courses that are available to them. In the SAC room, Mr. Shotwell and Mr. Luna encouraged students to get involved in school activities, clubs and sports. Mr. Hogan, along with staff members of Copa de Oro and Tiger, talked about journalism and photography, while Virtual Business invited eighth graders to join the Entrepreneurship class. The eighth graders also got a look at current high school students’ work displayed in the graphic design, art and woodshop rooms.

In the cafeteria, students were introduced to the school’s cuisine, and later in the tour, families stopped to buy ice cream and soft drinks at the student store. The tour groups also visited the language building, library and little theater to listen to teachers introduce their classes. Physics teacher Mr. Papadakis got students involved with a short demonstration that illustrated the principle of conservation of energy.

It was really fun to see the 8th graders and their parents. I was glad to familiarize them with our campus and the different classes we offer,” Commissioner general Sophia Lopez said. “It was a great experience and I look forward to hearing about the accomplishments that this class will achieve in the future.”

The second part of Eighth Grade Night will take place on Wednesday, March 15. This meeting will address the specifics of high school programming and includes an open Q&A.

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