Eighth Graders Represent SFDS at Open Houses
Eighth graders took center stage in this year’s Admission Open House process. In the past, interested parents were told about the unique benefits of the Day School by school administrators. This year, students demonstrated the value of a Day School education by participating in a panel with Dr. Jackson.
Natasha Kahn supported the change in format. “I’ve been going to a lot of high school open houses and I find that I really listen to what the students have to say,” she says. “Hearing the student perspective is a big part of my decision because it’s the students who are living the experience. I think it’s probably the same for the parents looking at the Day School.”
William Danforth agreed saying, “I think that involving students in the open houses makes the process more real. When you talk to the students, you really see the School.”
After a short introduction, Dr. Jackson opened the floor to questions. In this way, the night was guided by the interests of our guests. The students were amazingly poised and articulate at both Open Houses. Though they seem to start out being a little nervous during their introductions, they quickly relax as the questions pour in.
“I like public speaking even though at first I’m a little nervous. I liked talking to this audience because they were supportive and attentive,” says Kelley Ogami. “It was nice to talk about the School… to tell people how much it has meant to me.”
Arden Arnold was impressed by the parents’ questions, “it was interesting to think about things from a perspective other than being a student.” One question he remembers being asked was whether being in an environment with such high achieving kids makes it too difficult or competitive? His response: “It helps motivate kids to do better.”
Molly Seligman also appreciated the conversation. “I’m interested in education,” she said. “I liked participating because I got to see the concerns of the parents of children who will be going to the School. For example, there were interesting discussions about diversity and gender in education which showed what students will be thinking about, which is good.”
Dr. Jackson expressed his respect for his co-panelists. “I was impressed with the substance of the students’ responses,” he says, “how thoughtful they were and they were able to illustrate their opinions with reference to specific anecdotes and details of their daily life at the School.”
The reaction from the audience as they left the gym was high as well. They were excited by the energy from Dr. Jackson, the poise of the students, and the honesty and warmth of the evening.
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