The upcoming enrollment season for the class of 2022 will be kicked off with the first Open House from 5:30-7:30 p.m tomorrow night, Oct 10. This is the first year that two Open Houses will be held as opposed to the traditional one on a Sunday afternoon.

“We are super interested in enrollment this year so we’re trying to accomodate for the families who cannot attend our Sunday open house,” Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Ellen Carmody said.

This year will also incorporate some new changes to the Open House procedure. The focus of the tours will be on the school’s excellence in academics, global connections, student life and traditions. In the past, there would be one Open House and one informational meeting for parents with little exposure for the families to get to know the school. After a brief introduction, families will be  be put into groups with a student tour guide to show them through the hallways and classes. To keep it flowing quickly and smoothly, tours will be on one of the five different tour routes instead of just one. Families will also have an opportunity to talk with club sponsors and sports coaches they may be interested in.

“This year we’re trying a little bit different format. Last year we had all the teachers and parents go on a tour and then back to the gym to talk to teachers, but that got some negative feedback and everybody said that they did not want to do that again,” director of admission at the grade school Mary Kenney said.

Faculty and students have been preparing for the open houses with cleaning and polishing the appearance as well as setting up decorations and bulletin boards of information. This year has been a big shadowing year with over 200 shadow visits set up.

“I know right now is that pivotal time where they’re trying to make that decision,”  admissions director Katie Glatz said. “So this is the last attempt maybe to seal the deal and really show off our teachers, to show off students again to show them why Sion is the best place to be.”