S.S. Seward Institute open house focuses on attendance, resources

A week after the first day of school, S.S. Seward Institute opened its doors to families and students for its annual open house.

Parents and guardians were able to experience a day in the life of their children in an abbreviated schedule.

The adults followed the students’ schedule and attended a presentation during the scheduled lunch periods. Principal Michael Maesano and Assistant Principal Amanda Collins outlined the expectations for Seward students of being safe and respectful and being in school on time, all day, every day. They also highlighted resources provided in part through federal Title I funding, including free and reduced lunch, academic intervention and the student support network.

“None of these resources can have an impact on students unless they are here at school. Attendance is our No. 1 priority for the school year and we will be working on improving student attendance,” Maesano explained later. “It is only possible to support students and improve attendance when we have the partnership and support of the families of our community.”

The PTSA was at the open house, encouraging everyone to become members and to attend the group’s first meeting, which also occurred that night.

School support staff and several student volunteers (National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, High School Student Council, and Middle School Student Council members) were on hand to answer questions and help parents navigate the building.

Yearbook Club members also had a table set up to take yearbook orders and answer questions.