Over 100 attendees took part in the 2015 New Parent Reception held on August 5. “We want our new families to feel welcome and a part of our community before school starts,” explains Gerald Teramae, Head of School. “All new parents are invited to this special evening just for them. They can ask questions, meet teachers, and talk to other new parents.”
The reception includes introductions to school personnel, so new parents can become familiar with the staff and faculty that will be interacting with their students. Also present at the reception are members of IPA’s Board of Trustees, officers and representatives from the IPA Parents Association (IPAPA), and current parents from across the grades.
“Talking to a parent whose child just finished the grade that yours is about to enter is such a valuable connection,” says Molly Ripton, Admissions Director. “We have so much to offer a student from elementary grades all the way to their senior year. Parents of a young student who come to this evening get to learn a little about what the older grades have in store.”
Volunteer Coordinator, Emily Brown, who was on hand to meet parents says, “IPA is such a vibrant, active community. It’s important for parents to know that they can be, need to be, involved.” Many events and activities that occur every year at the school are organized and run with the help of parent volunteers. “Strong parent involvement and support makes for a very successful school,” says Brown. “It can be intimidating to be the ‘new’ person. We want our parents to know that they are very welcome to join in and be a part of IPA.”
Elementary Principal Steve Ross (with microphone), Secondary Principal Kip Cummings, and Head of School Gerald Teramae were on hand to introduce faculty and staff during the New Parent Reception.
New parents in the multi-purpose room (MPR) during the New Parent Reception. A Q&A session followed the faculty and staff introductions.
Following the presentation in the MPR, attendees moved into the Secondary lobby for wine and pupus. New parents were able to meet other new parents and had a chance to talk to Trustees, IPAPA officers and representatives, faculty, staff, and returning parents.
