On the weekend of September 28, hundreds of Lake Forest Academy parents gathered together for LFA’s annual family weekend. Family weekend is an event that LFA hosts to give parents and other family members a feel of what their child experiences at LFA on a daily basis.
Family weekend began on Friday, with parents attending morning meeting from both inside the theater, and watching it in the lobby. Following Morning Meeting, the parents attended a student panel, led by The Dean of Students, Ms. Rundles, where they learned about the student experience beyond the classroom. On the panel, they discussed student life — clubs, classes and sports, in addition to experiential learning at LFA.
Afterwards, parents of junior and senior students had coffee and conversations with the Head of School, Mr. Johnson and the Academic Deans, in the Great Hall for the first ever Parents Association Welcome Luncheon. There, Johnson and members of the Parents Association spoke. The final highlight of Friday was the Happy Hour that took place in the Formal Gardens with the faculty and staff – giving parents an opportunity to mingle with other parents and learn more about LFA from the perspective of faculty.
On Saturday, parents received a copy of their child’s schedule, and participated in 15-minute mini classes, following an A-day schedule. Katie and Matt Frekko P ‘27, said, “Our favorite parts of family weekend were attending the mini classes and having the opportunity to connect with the faculty and staff who make our child’s experience at LFA so wonderful.”
LFA teachers usually give an overview of the courses that they teach, as well as a mini lesson. The Frekkos commented, “We were so excited to participate in the mini classes. We analyzed the graph of a polynomial equation, examined a British propaganda cartoon published during the Revolutionary War, and even participated in a “widget” market auction in Economics. For a couple hours, we felt like students again.”
Mini classes give the parents a glimpse into their student’s lives. For new parents and first-time LFA goers, LFA’s student ambassadors patrolled the halls, directing parents to their classes. This is a great opportunity for student ambassadors to showcase their role towards LFA families, as well as display the camaraderie of LFA to the guests. Following the mini classes, parents and their children enjoyed a Mediterranean lunch in the Student Center – the last activity before sports games started in the afternoon. Parents got to watch their children play in all sports from field hockey to boys soccer.
Family weekend provided LFA’s community with an unforgettable experience: two days of excitement, learning and community – a resounding success for everyone involved.