Prospective students and their parents will flood the hallways on November 18 to examine their options and experience the school’s ambiance in this year’s Open House.

Open House, which is a crucial element for students deciding which Northeast Consortium school to attend, is one of the most important events of the school year. Says principal Carole Goodman, who will be the official greeter of parents and students at next week’s program, “It’s about showcasing what the students do, showcasing our programs, so when parents come in, they get a feel for the school.”

Looking back on coming to the Open House as an eight grader, sophomore Tommy Donaghue finds it hard to think of the perfect words for the occasion. “It’s just like boom by itself,” says Donaghue.

The Open House organization is one of the countless boom factors for many students. Unlike at other schools, which use assembly-style arrangements, visitors can take a tour with an ambassador or an NHS member, or they can take a self-guided tour. On Blake’s presentation, freshman Jordan Pontious says, “They had a very well put together folder that they gave us, more than [the] other schools had…They just…explained their programs more instead of [saying] ‘here’s a sheet of paper…read off it’”

“I also went to the other two schools’ [open houses] and Blake’s was superior,” adds sophomore Jessica Stewart. “The students were nicer, and that influenced my decision to come.”

The atmosphere of the school is the key element that makes the Open House such a success, according to the new Arts Signature Coordinator Michael D’Anna, who acquired the position after the previous coordinator, Christopher Berry, was promoted to Assistant Principal earlier this year.

Mr. D’Anna says, “It’s not just the new facility, it’s also the people: [A combination of] a wonderful staff, a terrific administration and students who are enthusiastic and energetic…I’ve just seen a tremendous willingness to make education work here on the part of the students as well as the staff, it’s just a good partnership.”

Three words sum up the purpose of Open House according to Mrs. Goodman: Disney World effect. “We want to wow you,” says Mrs. Goodman.

The Blake Beat will have a bake sale during the Open House.