Canton High to host inaugural showcase Oct. 23

Last spring, as the staff at Canton High School was preparing its program of studies for the 2013-2014 school year, Principal Derek Folan felt there was something missing from the information about the opportunities that students have at CHS.

“Academics come first,” he said. “[But] we really wanted to show all aspects of our student life. We have extracurriculars, performing arts, visual arts, athletics. Sometimes that’s what students are most passionate about. We wanted to showcase it.”

Next Wednesday evening, October 23, Canton High School will do just that as it hosts its first ever showcase night for students in grades 6-9 and their parents. More than 60 clubs and teams will host presentations in the CHS gymnasium from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The planning for the showcase began months ago following discussions between Folan and staff members, department heads, and parent members of the school’s CAPT (Canton Association of Parents and Teachers) and continued through September and October. The evening involves an open house format, with students talking to parents and students as they arrive at each group’s table in the gym.

“Parents who arrive at 8 p.m. will see the same presentation as parents who arrived at 6:30,” Folan said.

Students will greet visitors at the front entrance and hand them a booklet with information about each of the teams and clubs. Students and parents can then head into the gym and speak with team captains, coaches and club leaders and advisors. They can also go to the cafeteria to hear music or take a tour of the school with a CHS link leader.

Folan explained that link leaders are juniors and seniors who serve as ambassadors for CHS. The group of 60 students was chosen from the 200 who applied. Link leaders participated in the eighth grade step-up day last spring and the ninth grade orientation day in the summer. During the school year, the upperclassmen check in with the freshmen once each quarter. They also work with students who have transferred to Canton High.

While CHS held a club and activities day earlier in the year for students, Folan wanted to invite ninth grade parents to the high school to learn about opportunities that will help their children make a smooth transition to a new environment.

“Ninth graders worry about three things,” he said, “how they are doing in their classes, moving through the building and not getting lost, and their relationship with upperclassmen. [Canton High] is a very welcoming place. We take care of each other. It’s a place to develop relationships.”

Folan said he is not shy about why the Canton High School CAPT and the high school community are inviting students in grades six, seven and eight to visit the showcase with their parents.

“As students move through middle school and reach high school, we’re aware that there are a lot of different opportunities for where they go to high school,” he said. “We feel we have the best opportunities in the Canton area at Canton High School. We want people to know that.”

For more information on the CHS showcase, email Folan at foland@cantonma.org.

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Posted by Mary Ann Price on Oct 17 2013. Filed under Uncategorized. Both comments and pings are currently closed.