Just days before the first bell of the school year, students filled the halls for the annual Meet and Greet on August 9th, just three days before the school year officaily begins on August, 12th. The Meet and Greet event is an annual event, considered by many students, teachers, and parents alike, a beloved back-to-school tradition. The vetn offers both returning and upcoming students to come and see their class schedules, meet with teachers, hang out with friends, check their class roster, begin to sign up for clubs for the upcoming school year, and many more.
When asked about what students liked most at the Meet and Greet, many students shared their thoughts. “It’s good, I recommend people to come because it’s fun and you get to meet people and friends”, said upcoming freshman, Mujtaba Mehdi. Reuniting with friends after a long time can help excite students for the upcoming school year, knowing what classes they will take together, adding to the anticipation of the school year.
Another student, Taha Alam, an upcoming junior, also shared similar views. “I personally think that the Meet and Greet helped me learn about my classes before school starts, get the supply list, and meet up with friends that I haven’t met since the summer break”.
However, students also shared what they think can improve the event. When asked, Mehdi noted, “I think getting a map for all the rooms would help a lot, by allowing students to know where all the classrooms are”. Alam also shared his suggestion.“I think the teachers should have been assigned rooms that they were in last year so that students can easily locate them and get important information from them”.
Parents weighed in with their opinions as well. Parent, Bushra Zain said “It’s a great thing to be doing for the students, it helps them come together and see their teachers, and gives them a good headstart to the year. When asked if she would recommend it, Ms. Zain enthusiastically added “Oh, absolutely. It helps them get better prepared for the coming year”. And if there was anything that the school could improve on, she said “Get more organized”.
Teachers also had positive feedback on the event. “I think it’s really nice to see the students after a two-month break and I think it’s nice that they are seeing their friends and teachers again”, says Ms. Rumana Khan, biology teacher. She encouraged students to come, adding “Definitely, it’s very important to come back and to get to know your teachers, what your schedules are like, before so Monday can go smoothly.” When asked what she would improve about the meet and greet, Ms. Khan added “ I don’t think we need four hours for it, I think that two hours would be sufficient.
Overall, the Meet and Greet event left students, teachers, and parents feeling optimistic about the school year ahead. The event successfully set the stage for a smooth transition into the upcoming school year.
