High Point open house a success
SUSSEX BOROUGH — High Point Regional High School opened its doors to members of the community for its annual 8th Grade Open House from 6-9 p.m on Thursday, Jan. 7.
“An open house gives the school an opportunity to demonstrate to our prospective students the opportunities they will have should they choose to attend High Point as freshman,” Superintendent Scott D. Ripley said. “High Point has the most AP class offerings in the state. We’re an AP capstone. We’ve improved our graduation rate by ten percent over the last two years. We needed to make changes, and we did.”
The graduation rate in 2013 was 85 percent and in 2015 it was 95 percent.
“Our architecture and media programs, for example, are recognized not just around the state but in the nation. Our community needs to be aware of the opportunities being made available to them through their own tax dollars so that young adults can take advantage of them,” he said. “The high school staff sees itself as a team. The teachers are very proud of the work they do here out of love for the students. That’s our goal; to teach the youth to love learning and to believe in themselves.”
The evening began with a meet-and-greet welcoming speech from Superintendent Ripley and a performance of the “National Anthem” by High Point Chamber Singers led by theatre teacher Theresa Riccardi.
Principal Jonathan Tallamy led introductions before Vice Principal Amy Librizzi and Director of Athletics Todd Van Orden led the discussion on the activities fair and athletics.
Director of Guidance Donna Lembo spoke with students regarding scheduling before Supervisor of Humanities Aldo Deodino led a presentation on the humanities curriculum, which includes English, Fine and Performing Arts, Foreign Languages and History.
The night ended with Supervisor of STEM Brian Drelick’s introduction of potential students to the science, technology/engineering, business and math programs. Tours, interspersed throughout the course of the event, were guided by Peer Counseling members.
Peer Counseling seniors Emily Mason and Alyssa Woolery volunteered the night of the open house. Mason explained her job was to help students fit in.
Woolery felt her role the night of the open house was similar to that of an older sibling.
“When I was going into high school, I had no older siblings to guide me,” Mason said. “That’s where having a Peer Counselor around comes in handy.”
“An open house allows teachers to demonstrate what they do every day. Without them, none of this would be possible,” Ripley said.
Principal Jonathan Tallamy coordinated the event with the help of Secretary Janet Brummell, Guidance Counselor Lisa Frisbie and Director of Guidance Donna Lembo, among others.
“In the ninth-grade transition program, hosting an open house to eighth-graders is a crucial step in helping develop and maintain a partnership between the school, and students and their families,” explained Tallamy. “Graduating middle-schoolers had the chance to ask questions and meet with other students, staff members and administrators.”
According to Tallamy, the open house was an “absolute success,” with over 350 parents and students in attendance — the largest turnout the school has ever had. Last year, a little more than 200 people attended January’s open house.
“We culminated the event with many moving tours concerning different electives in various areas of the building,” Tallamy said. “Every aspect was very well received. I think the open house is a stepping stone each year. Students get comfortable with the building itself and an idea of the kind of path they want to follow.”