This week was eventful at El Centro because we had our Open House. This event is meant to showcase student's works and inform parents and community members about what the summer school program is all about. I spent the first half of the week sending out reminders, calling parents, and posting big signs outside of our school. When I was calling parents to remind them, I was surprised by the amount of parents who either said that they could not attend, or who simply did not answer the phone. I was initially frustrated by this because all the of students, especially the younger ones, put a lot of effort into their work, and I think it's sad that their parents don't do their end by going to these types of events. I also think there was some resentment on my end because my parents hardly ever attended my Open Houses as a kid. I also realized, however, that most parents couldn't attend because they had work hours that interfered with the event; this realization may sound very obvious, but I think it helped me understand that childhood issue I still had buried deep inside. In the end Open House ran smoothly, although with a small crowd. The Youth Advocacy Director, as well as the Executive Director, take this time to thank to different organizations that support the summer school program throughout its duration. For example, we had representatives from the Fire Department attend, as they graciously open their offices for our students to attend on a field trip. The students participate by decorating their class area so that guests can walk around and look at their work after the program.
This week we also began sending out invitations for El Centro's Annual Fundraiser Gala, which will be held in late October. We prepared approximately two thousand invitations! I'm excited to learn more about the preparations of an event like this one.