The campus filled with members of the community, parents, students, and faculty as Back-to-School Night rolled around once again on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Class blocks for students and parents began at 6:00 p.m., and an organized bell schedule prompted parents and students to the next block.
The 2011-2012 Back-to-School Night was a chance for the new to emerge, with new administrator Ms. Main from Griffiths Middle School scurrying around introducing herself to parents, students, and teachers. New clubs, like the DHS Amigos, became apparent and shared with listeners what they’re all about. ASB’s playlist of music echoing from the rally stage contributed to the “new” disposition of the affair.
Many clubs and organizations, like JSA, girls lacrosse, Key Club, ASB, Bible Club, Kiwins, GSA, and some food trucks set up tables and booths, as this was an opportunity to fundraise and promote. Girls lacrosse teamed up with Jamba Juice, and GSA sold various baked goods.
“We [ASB] set up club and sports tables to advertise them so parents can see what is offered at Downey and motivate students to get involved,” junior Jasmine Reppert, ASB Commissioner of Clubs and Organizations said.
Food trucks from Downey and surrounding cities were given the opportunity to come and join with the hustle and bustle of Back-to-School Night. Among the various booths selling food were Ragin Cajun with their southern-influenced cuisine, Greek Gourmet with free samples off their menu, and Jamba Juice selling their signature fruit smoothies.
“My favorite part of Back-to-School Night is watching the community come together and have a great time with friends,” junior Alejandro Lomeli said.
Back-to-School Night is very much different when compared to its Open House counterpart. Open House is a chance for parents to see how their child has done throughout the school year, while Back-to-School Night’s purpose is for teachers to give a brief overview of their class to parents and students that attend.
At Back-to-School Night, teachers do not discuss grades, but instead confer about their grading methods and how a student can achieve satisfactory marks in the course, and at Open House, instructors are prepared to hear questions regarding a specific student and their performance in the class.
Back-to-School Night was a success for the 2011-2012 school year and all who attended, from the students and parents hearing about classes, to the surrounding communities fundraising, came together to feel the upbeat vibe surrounding the event.
