Hundreds of parents swapped places with their children on Wednesday, Sept. 21 during the school’s open house night. The open house was an opportunity for parents to meet the teachers of their kids and see not only what they are learning, but the structure of the classroom curriculum as well.

The night began with a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting at 6:15, giving parents information about the PTA and encouraging them to sign up. Schedules were then given to the parents and at 6:30 they were off to their first classes.

“It’s a good opportunity to meet the teachers,” Linda Baddour, mother of Jack Baddour ‘20, said. “Westwood has a great teaching staff.”

The class rotations were just like a student’s normal day at school, just very short with five minute “passing periods”. Many parents got lost in the maze of hallways and classrooms, but AFJROTC students were posted around the school ready to help. Each class was 10 minutes long, allowing teachers limited time to give their presentations.

“Open house shows parents what our kids experience everyday,” Angela Khurana, mother of Alisha Khurana ‘17, said. “We got to walking the halls during passing period and try to get to class on time.”

Most teachers presented some information about themselves and their backgrounds, and quickly dove into what their class will be covering this year.

During the classes many booths were set up in the atrium, giving parents information about other organizations on campus, or selling things to benefit the school. A theatre booth was set up, giving out cookies and informations with a PTSA booth adjacent to it, encouraging parents who may have missed the earlier PTA meeting to sign up. Across the atrium a table was set up selling student planners as well as a Project Graduation booth giving out tickets for parents to sell to help fund the Class of 2017 Project Graduation.

“Open house gives us a chance to get more involved with the organizations that are helping behind the scenes,” Cindi Johnson, mother of Evan Johnson ‘20, said. “Whether joining PTSA or picking up raffle tickets for Project Graduation.”

Many parents love the unique opportunity open house night gives them. Most parents only experience their kids’ schoolwork at home, but open house gives them a chance to see what their kids see.

“Back to school night also gives parents a better appreciation for the amount of school work our children have on a daily basis,” Mrs. Baddour said. “I was glad to hear so many teachers this year address the concern of students regularly staying up until 2 a.m. to get homework done.”