DWSA holds Meet and Greet and Senior Meeting

Parents and their children came out to Denzel Washington School of the Arts for an informative meet and greet session on Monday, September 30, 2024. Prior to the meet and greet with teachers, seniors and their families also received information about senior year and the college application process during their senior meeting. 

“I’m hoping that parents will not only be familiar with our routine and what their child does on a daily basis, but also see that the staff here care about the children,” said Principal Andrea Thomas. “We want the best for the children, and everything that we do is with rigor and care. We love and treat each other very well.”  

During the senior meeting, seniors in student government presented information to parents about fundraisers, the senior trip and prom. They explained that any funds raised will help drop the cost of prom and the senior trip to make it more affordable. This was followed by a presentation from Ze-Enna Jenkins, Assistant Director of Admissions at Mercy University.  

Ms. Jenkins spoke about the application process specifically for Mercy University and how Mercy’s partnership with the Mount Vernon City School District can benefit students. The Smart Scholars Early College High School Program is a part of that partnership and allows students to earn college credits for free and save money on their education. DWSA counselors then spoke to families to explain more about the college application process and show them how to use the SchooLinks platform to help with applications.  

Following the senior meeting, parents from all grades began arriving to meet their children’s teachers. They signed in while the DWSA administration, the PTA and the school’s parent liaison gave them more information about the school and helped them get to their children’s classes.  

“Meet and Greet night offers families a first opportunity for parents to meet their student's teachers and learn about the content and requirements of courses for the school year,” said Parent Liaison Beth Smith. “It is an important part of forming the home-school connection. It's great to see so many families take the time to meet their children's teachers in preparation for the school year." 

Parents followed their children’s schedule, visiting each of their classes and meeting the teachers. Teachers explained what they are doing in the classroom, how to contact them and how parents can support their children’s learning.  

“I think this is very helpful,” said Patricia Gibson, Mother of Kyle Litchmore, a seventh-grade student at DWSA. “My child just entered seventh grade, and it’s important for me to meet his teachers and get an overall view of what they’re learning in each class.” 

Students also attended the meet and greet with their parents and introduced them to their teachers.  

“It’s helpful for my mom to see how my teacher is, what she talks or acts like, and get information so she can communicate with the teacher if I’m struggling with something or if she wants to know about any tests or projects that are coming up,” said Xavier Augustine, a 12th-grade student at DWSA.  
 
By the end of the meet and greet, parents had visited their children’s classes and gained an insight into their daily routines and academic plans for the year. They also left with valuable information about the school and how to stay involved with their children’s education.