Every year after spring break, we do a tour around our magnificent and insightful school called Student-Led Academic Tours. What is that? You may ask, some tours are required for students around campus to give them a grand experience of their classes, the work they learned throughout the year, and the accomplishments they worked on and finished since the first quarter.
During this open-house-style event, from 2:15-3:30 on Wednesday, March 25th. All the students around campus will walk through their daily schedule of classes. In each classroom, parents and guardians will see samples of their assignments and projects that students have put their effort into. Plus, current 8th-grade families will be able to sample a 9th-grade schedule to see what high school life is like, and current 6th graders will get a junior high scavenger hunt to finish through the tour.
We at New Way do this to give families a chance to step into the classroom and see what education and learning look like day to day. Parents or guardians usually hear about the classes from their students, but this allows them to see for themselves, from their perspective, and have a more profound understanding of the activities and classroom environment.
Apparently, this year’s tour will be a little different, but it’s especially exciting for the 8th graders. They will follow mock high school schedules and visit future classrooms, which helps them start thinking about what high school life is like. It’s a great way to ease the transition and build some growth and confidence going into the next year.
We think that this is something that other schools could benefit from as well. It can help build a better and stronger connection between home and school. It allows students to have a meaningful opportunity to take ownership, responsibility, and integrity of their learning skills.
There have been questions about people thinking that it’s a good idea, and if there were any suggestions for other schools to do these tours. Here is a response from one of the parents, Alana Craig: “I would suggest they would have drinks and snacks. Furthermore, music and a possible dance party at the end of the tour.” That could be arranged for next year, which could really bring a big welcome to the parents and other relatives.
According to Mrs. Farrand (World History and Seminar teacher), she was asked why the academic tours are important to her and around campus. She said, “So the tours are essential for me because I get to connect with students and parents outside the classroom. Obviously, we talk about academic things, but we also talk about other stuff that’s outside the classroom. For instance, like family stuff, fun stuff, things like that. It’s just an excellent way for parents and families to connect at New Way and all the other cool stuff that we’re doing here, especially with the book fair and everything else going on at the same time.
It appears that not only teachers were thrilled and motivated by the academic tours, but students were too. On the authority of Lundin Brown, a 7th grader in junior high was asked what she was worried about for the next school year, and what her favorite part of the tours was. She responded, “My favorite part of the Academic Tours is hearing all the good feedback from my teachers.” It’s always good to get some credit for students’ perseverance and accomplishments from the 1st to 4th quarter. She added, “I’m not really nervous or excited, currently”. The boldness of her being prepared for next year is astounding. Furthermore, showing no excitement for the next school year is common for most students.
Up next is Faith Hinojosa, a freshman in high school, who was asked the same questions. She responds, “My favorite part of the tour would’ve been taking my parents with me to all my classes and seeing what I do.” Now, this is a perfect example of allowing parents and relatives to see how things go around their students’ education and magnificent learning skills. Her second response, “What I am most worried about for next year is the homework and more advanced math classes.” Well, note to Faith, you’re not the only one. Math can sometimes be the hardest, depending on the level of it, but what you should remember is to give it your best effort on the solution, and also give it your best effort on homework too. Do a couple of things one by one; your time is yours to take.
All in all, the student-led academic tours were a success. Students were able to show off their accomplishments, while parents could see what their students have been working on this year. This tradition has been a unique opportunity for families to connect with the New Way community. Thank you to all students and parents for coming to the tours this year. We greatly appreciate your time.
