On Monday, April 6, middle school students soon attending Sam Barlow had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at their future realities as a Bruin. Principal Jason Bhear put it this way: “It connects them to activities and athletics as well as provides them a chance to see and hear and smell the classrooms and school that they will be in the next year. It demystifies the school and what we are to many and shows them that while a big place, we do our best to shrink it down.” This event, put on annually by the Activities Director, April Anderson, and student Barlow Crew members, provided families with a way to preview classes and clubs and get a feel for the environment.
Parents and students were able to preview classes, clubs, and sports, interact with current Barlow students, and experience the overall environment. Everyone present gathered in the auditorium for a presentation given by Mr. Bhear. “I covered for families and students who are our athletics and activity directors, along with our counseling team and administrative team. I talked with them about the importance for students to be and feel connected to the school and how we promote a sense of belonging and community for our students. Students were then able to tour four elective classes of their choice to learn more about them. This gives students an idea of what classes they want to take, possibly aligning with their interests or career goals. As one of these elective rotations, there was a presentation about advanced placement classes. In the gym, there were many tables that parents and students could approach that had the heads of different clubs and coaches of sports that they could potentially be a part of next year. In the cafeteria, there was information about CTE classes.
There were many people involved with making this event happen. Barlow students who signed up for Barlow Crew were able to give out more information and set up the event. April Anderson, the activities director, was the overall organizer of the event. “The preparation included advertising the event, signing up athletics, activities, and clubs to be at the Activities fair and the Bruin Expo, and training the Barlow Crew members that would be helping students and families that night,” Mrs. Anderson explains. Freshman Hank Tacheny helped to give out information about the leadership class. “I was able to talk to parents and students and answer their questions by showing them what opportunities there are, and how leadership can help them get involved in the school, while getting to plan big school events like dances or assemblies.” Tacheny, like many other Barlow students, was able to answer questions from their own experiences.
“It was attended by about 300 students and families from our three feeder middle schools as well as local charter and private schools. We are expecting a freshman class of about 430 students, which is average for us,” Principal Bhear adds. This event was and will continue to be essential for students to get a first impression of what they are going to walk into on their first day of high school at Barlow!
