Event Etiquette: Making the most of every school event.

School events are an important part of the admission process. Whether you are attending an open house, parent coffee, school tour, information session, or another admission event, your experience can provide valuable insight into a school and it is also an opportunity for the school to get to know your family.

A little preparation and thoughtful etiquette can go a long way toward making these experiences positive, productive, and memorable.

1. Sign Up as Soon as Registration Opens

School events can fill quickly, especially at popular schools. When registration opens, sign up as soon as you can. Registering early gives you more choices about which date and time to attend and allows you to select the event that works best with your family’s schedule. It also gives you the opportunity to visit a school before applying in order to determine if it is the right fit for your child.

Tip: Keep track of important admission dates and watch for emails from schools so you don’t miss registration windows.

2. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

One of the easiest ways to start an event on the wrong foot is to arrive rushed or late.

In Los Angeles, traffic can be unpredictable, and parking can take longer than expected. Give yourself plenty of time to account for traffic, parking, checking in, and finding the event location once you arrive on campus. Ideally, plan to arrive early enough that you can take a moment to get settled before the event begins. Being relaxed and prepared will allow you to focus on the experience rather than worrying about getting there.

Tip: If you have never been to the campus before, look at the parking instructions and campus map in advance.

3. Be Fully Present

When you are at a school event, make an effort to be fully present and engaged. Put your cell phone away and resist the temptation to check messages, email, or social media. Even if you are simply taking notes, someone observing you cannot know whether you are documenting important information or texting. If you want to take notes, bring a notebook or tablet and use it intentionally. Jot down specific details, observations, and questions that will help you evaluate the school later. Most importantly, look up and pay attention. Listen to what the administrators, teachers, and other members of the school community are saying. Watch how they interact with one another. Notice the tone and atmosphere of the campus. These small observations can tell you a great deal about whether a school feels like the right fit for your family.

4. Be Observant

Don’t just listen to the formal presentation. Take time to observe the school around you. As you walk through campus, notice the classrooms, common spaces, student work, and interactions between students and teachers. Pay attention to how people greet one another and how the school community feels.

Ask yourself:

·      Do the students seem happy and engaged?

·      Do teachers and administrators seem approachable?

·      Does the campus feel welcoming?

·      What do you notice about the classroom environments?

·      How do students interact with one another?

·      Is there something about the school that stands out to you?

Often, the most useful information comes from the details you notice between the lines of the formal presentation.

5. Follow Up Thoughtfully

If you have attended an event, take a moment to thank the school afterward.

A simple thank-you is always appreciated, but a specific thank-you can be even more meaningful. Mention something you learned, noticed, or found particularly interesting during the event. For example, instead of simply saying, “Thank you for the wonderful event,” you might mention a particular aspect of the school’s educational philosophy, something you learned about the student experience, or a comment made by a teacher that resonated with you. This shows that you were engaged and paying attention and it gives the school a genuine sense of what interested you about their community.

6. Remember That Every Interaction Matters

School events are not meant to be stressful or performative. They are opportunities for families to learn more about a school and determine whether it feels like a good fit. At the same time, remember that you are interacting with members of the school community throughout the experience. From the moment you arrive on campus to the moment you leave, be courteous, attentive, and respectful to everyone you encounter.

A warm greeting to the receptionist, patience while parking, thoughtful questions during a presentation, and a sincere thank-you afterward all contribute to a positive experience.

Make the Most of Every Event

Think of each school event as an opportunity to learn, observe, and connect. Arrive prepared, stay engaged, take thoughtful notes, and pay attention to the details that make each school unique.  Each event you attend can give you a new perspective on a school and help you make a more informed decision about where your child will thrive. The goal isn’t simply to attend. It’s to be present, pay attention, and make the most of the opportunity. For more information about school event etiquette, contact Lisa Marfisi.