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CHECK OUT THE “WE ARE BUILT FOR THIS MOMENT” HYPE VIDEO FROM OPEN HOUSE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmmxeOs9N5c

By Ethan Harrigan & Lucas Greifzu – Sports Editors

Jonathan Law welcomed middle schoolers to a virtual Open House on December 9 to introduce them to the high school environment.

In previous years, Open House would be held at Law and students and parents would be given a tour, shown a presentation by school administrators, hear from a variety of current Law students and parents, and exposed to sample courses where they could experience the high school curriculum. 

Dean of Students Mr. Ragaini said that despite the challenges of hosting this year’s Open House, the goals of the event remained the same. He believes that these Open House events are always an important way for students to ask questions about what Jonathan Law is all about.

“Every year, we want to give the incoming students a sense of what Jonathan Law is all about,” Ragaini said. ”Most of the 8th grade students attending the Open House are coming to Law but may have many questions about our school or maybe the common nervousness about going to high school.”

Due to the pandemic, this year’s Open House was held virtually but included almost all of the same elements of an in-person event.

“Rather than having traditional school tours, sample lessons, and activity fairs, we gave 8th grade parents and students a chance to explore all of what Law has to offer in a virtual setting,” English teacher Mr. Kulenych said. “We created a hype video, and had dozens of Google Meet sessions where parents and students could learn more about all of Law’s academic, elective, and athletic offerings.”

Senior Angel Santiago has been heavily involved in the Jonathan Law community since he was a freshman. He spoke about his experiences at Law and why he thought incoming 8th graders should choose Law for high school.

“I’ve always wanted to partake in an event like this cause I truly believe it is essential to helping 8th graders make their high school decision,” Santiago said.

Senior Connor Larson attended a private school his freshman year but transferred to Law his sophomore year. He spoke about his experience as a transfer student at the Open House.

“I was given a chance to speak to 8th graders and their families about why I transferred,” Larson said. “I hoped that I made some people change their minds about going to private school, and I was happy to talk about it because I would’ve been grateful to hear someone who transferred’s point of view when I was in 8th grade.”

Social Studies Department Head Mr. Zuraw believes that despite the pandemic pushing it to be online, the Open House was still successful. Zuraw presented information about the social studies curriculum in one of the breakout sessions.

“I think Open House is always an important event, but certainly during the pandemic it’s especially important to show the community all the great things Law has to offer,” Zuraw said. “And if it had to be over a Google Meet then so be it.”