On the weekend of October 27th and 28th the majority of Choate student’s parents came to campus, attended conferences, and went to their child’s classes. The entire campus had been buzzing with anticipation until the weekend finally came.

The weekend ran fairly smoothly with the exception of the weather. Friday had clear skies and a nice breeze, but on Saturday there was very strong wind and torrential rain.

Many additions were made to the Choate Campus as the weekend drew closer. As always the flags came out on the PMAC runway, and scattered signs went up that provided directions to parking and other buildings. In the dinning hall, vases of flowers and new, modern napkin dispensers were placed on each table in the Dining Hall. Food was available during every period of the class hours, especially in the morning, when hot coffee was served at all times. Almost every table in the dinning hall was used. The senior section was very popular among the parents because of the blue tablecloths that were draped over the tables. These changes were the work of both the Development and Communications Departments who were in charge of running the weekend.

Parents Weekend was largely a success because of the hard work of the previously mentioned departments. This year was the first year that Parents Weekend was planned and executed by the Communications Department. Mrs. Libby Peard who works for the communication department oversaw the operations. She said, “Parents communicated that the weekend was a success” and she was very pleased with how every thing panned out.

Peard mentioned that there were “form meetings and gatherings where question and answer session with the deans.” The sessions were opportunities to get to know the deans and interact with other parents.

The weather also greatly affected the weekend. “That torrential rain and 50 mph winds were not ideal conditions.” The weather was a drag for everyone on Saturday and almost every sport was canceled due to the storm. Most parents hardly ever get a chance to see their child compete and the weather ruined the one chance many parents could witness the games.

Faculty and students are also a large part of the weekend. Mary Verselli the head of the communication department received word from several faculty that it “seems like the parents and their kids were having fun.” Verselli also mention that “it takes a lot of staff to man the registration the parent conference piece, there are all the difference places that parents are coming and going, people were so great in volunteering.” Peard added “the faculty bring it all home, that the parents love attending their classes.” Verselli felt that the “rain was disappointing but the spirit was excellent.” Megan Shea, an English teacher, finds the anticipation to parents weekend “draining and exhausting, but that by the end it is very rewarding,” and that she actuality likes the weekend.

The most important factor of the weekend is how the parents feel the weekend went. Many find it hard to believe that the students go through the classes they visited every day. Everyone, including the parents, is tired after parents weekend, although one parent mentioned that going to classes is great and it provides “a good feel for what my kid goes through everyday.”

Overall parents find the weekend very informative and different. Many parents meet the teachers or deans for the first time. The weekend is a time for parents, teachers, and students to interact.