The Alternative Press

WEST ORANGE, NJ- West Orange High School held their annual Open House yesterday evening for prospective and incoming students and parents. The evening began with a PowerPoint presentation by West Orange High School Principal Hayden Moore. This PowerPoint highlighted awards received by West Orange High School, information on the Small Learning Communities and classes, and a brief video about the school's vast amount of extracurricular activities. There were  video testimonials from 2012 WOHS graduates Emily Brown, Clarissa Lotson, and Karen Ku who talked highly about the wonderful education they received at West Orange High School. Also present at the open house were other members of the WOHS administrative team, BOE President Laura Lab, and PTA President Wanda Maragni.

Following the PowerPoint presentation and commentaries,  eleventh and twelfth grade students, along with administration members,  led tours around the building. They showed off the Tarnoff gym, which impressed many parents, and  also toured several classrooms including the Art rooms, Science rooms, and Child Development room,  to name a few. Some parents and students were surprised with the size of the high school. One mother stated she was “pleasantly surprised how big it is.” Parents and students also toured the Library Media Center, Choir Room, and Band Room where they stood in awe at the numerous awards aligning the tops of the lockers.

Refreshments were served in the Tarnoff Cafeteria at the conclusion of the tours, while the Royal Strings Orchestra performed. When asked how they felt about the size of West Orange High School, Roosevelt middle school students Emma and Amanda Scalora said “we’ll probably get lost the first week but after that be fine.” Their father, Michael Scalora, is familiar with the school, having a son who was part of the 2012 graduating class. When asked if he was nervous about his daughters attending he said “I have had a good experience.  I 'm not  nervous.”  Following that statement, he added that he is “excited for his daughters to be involved in extracurricular activities.”

Overall,  the evening was well received and students and parents were very impressed with what West Orange High School has to offer.  The Open House serves as a useful tool in the transitional process from middle to high school.  Student Guide Kelly Parisi believes, “it is a good and positive opportunity for incoming students to experience West Orange High School.”