By Annette Aucamp & Emma Kavcioglu

The Granada Hills Charter (GHC) community including parents, students, and staff persevered through a heat wave to hold the school’s annual Back to School Night.

Back to School Night took place on September 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Although classroom visits began at 6:30 p.m., parents arrived early to visit student booths fundraising for clubs as well as academic and athletic teams. Although these booths are usually staged in the quad near the cafeteria, because of the heat all activities were moved to the large gym. 

Student performances were also relocated to the gym. Parents filled one side of the bleachers and even more stood around the basketball court to watch performances from different artistic groups on campus including orchestra, jazz band, choir, dance, and cheer. Staff from the activities and technology offices were forced to make many changes to accommodate so many performances in the gym rather than on the stage and in the quad, but changes between groups moved smoothly and the audience was enthusiastic. 

“I think that Back to School night is important because it eases the parent’s minds,” science teacher Erica Cochran said. “Back to school night allows parents to meet their children’s teachers and have a greater understanding of the expectations for the school year. It’s also a great way for student groups to get their names out there and get recognition.” 

Although the focus is certainly on teacher presentations for parents, Back to School Night is also a chance for clubs and organizations to fundraise as well as give information about all their organization offers to both parents and potential members.

“I think Back to School night is important because it gives student groups exposure to the younger students who we really can’t reach otherwise,” DECA President Christina Chavez said. “It also gives us an opportunity to talk to parents about what we will be doing and encourage them to support our school.”

The school anticipated a smaller turnout due to the 110-degree heat, but students and parents did not notice a dip in attendance compared to previous years.

“We had a really good turnout of parents and students,” Activities Office Assistant Jennifer Sheridan said. “Kids seemed to be having fun and parents seemed to be enjoying themselves, so I think it went well considering the heat.”

Overall, the number of parents, students, and staff on campus reinforces that the GHC community is not only resilient but focused on student education and programs.

“Even though it was really hot outside, I care about my son’s education and want to meet his teachers as well as enjoy the atmosphere GHC creates,” Jijo Puthiakennel, parent of a senior, said.