Dear JRMS Families,

We are looking forward to welcoming you to John Read Middle School for our upcoming Open House. This evening is an important opportunity to experience a little of your child's school day, meet their teachers, visit classrooms, and learn more about the exciting learning and experiences planned for the year ahead.

This year, our Open House format will look a little different. Our goal is to create a consistent experience for all families while providing meaningful opportunities to hear from both the administration and your child's teachers.

The evening will begin from 6:00–6:15 p.m. in the Gymnasium with an administrative greeting and brief presentation. Following the presentation, families will follow a modified version of their child's daily schedule, visiting each classroom for 12 minutes with two minutes provided to transition between classes. Families will also visit our Fine and Practical Arts teachers in the Gymnasium during designated periods, where they will continue to offer a gallery-style experience. Please visit the corresponding teacher/set up each period.

Students will receive an Open House schedule as a homework assignment* to complete at home with their families, identifying their classes, teachers, and room locations. Please bring the completed schedule with you to Open House, as it will serve as your guide throughout the evening and identify where you should go during each scheduled period.

*Note: Because they are just becoming familiar with the school and their unique team structure, 5th grade students will complete their schedules in school and be assigned to “teach” you the schedule at home; others grades have the flexibility to follow the same approach .

During each classroom visit, teachers will share information about themselves, their classes, what students will be learning and doing this year, and other information that will help you better understand your child's experience at JRMS. Open House is designed as a group experience for all families rather than an individual parent-teacher conference evening. If a specific question or concern about your child requires a longer or private conversation, we encourage you to connect with the teacher or administration separately so an appropriate time can be arranged.

We know that navigating a middle school schedule and building may be a new experience for some of our families! Student volunteers and staff members will be stationed throughout the building to provide directions and help you get from class to class.

While the format may be new, the purpose of Open House remains the same: to meet your child's teachers, learn about what they will be doing and learning, visit the spaces where they spend their school day, and build excitement for the year ahead.

We look forward to welcoming you to JRMS and providing an opportunity to experience our school, connect with our staff, and learn more about your child's year ahead.

Sincerely,

Chris Geissler
Principal