One of Cypress’s most important events each year is the 8th grade Open House in the spring, which we call the Panther Showcase, when middle schoolers and their families across the zone are invited to explore various middle schools to see which they are interested in attending. Each year, Cypress shows off our Advanced Studies Programs, our Center for the Arts, our clubs, and everything that makes Cypress great.
The auditorium was full of current 8th graders and prospective Panthers as Principal Angela Roles welcomed families and introduced the administrative team, including Mr. Farrell, who described one of Cypress’s newest initiatives, the Water School. After the welcome, visitors were welcome to wander the campus to see all Cypress has to offer.
One big draw of Cypress is of course its Center For The Arts, and teachers and current students were ready, putting on demonstrations and performances, with almost the entirety of the Center building open for viewing, including 2D art, ceramics, dance, and orchestra. Several 8th graders we interviewed mentioned that a major allure was all that the Center had to offer.
One visitor who watched the Panther Theatre Company’s performance in the BlackBox performance was so excited to join the theatre, saying, “Everybody’s inclusive here, and I could see that just from doing this.¨ She also stated later in the that everyone she met was very nice, and she felt very welcomed there. A young man wanted to explore his interest in 3D arts, and was directed to Ms. Bonwell’s class, head of the Center for the Arts. Many we met expressed that they were excited for the community here at Cypress.
But another big part of Cypress’s appeal is its Advanced Studies Program, introduced by the Coordinator, Dr. Doucette. Students interested in the program heard from several current students and Ms. Camp, one of the Advanced Studies instructors, then headed off to a series of model classrooms to get a taste of what AP and AICE Classes are like. Many of the incoming students we spoke to aspired to graduate with a scholarship and make their way to good colleges all across the US, and for some, outside. All were excited about the prospect of earning college credits while in high school, and parents seemed excited about saving money on tuition.
Athletic Director Coach Rodriguez was on hand to meet incoming athletes, and many visitors mentioned they wanted to get into sports such as soccer and baseball. Some of the students had friends and family that went or are going here currently, and one boy in particular wanted to join the soccer team here to play with his friends from his old school.
Mr. Kurtz, the Assistant Principal who organizes Panther Showcase, said of the event, “I am always excited to welcome new families into our school. This year there seemed to be more energy and excitement amongst the prospective students.” Interest in Cypress is definitely up, with 274 applications to the AICE and Arts Programs, up from 237 last year.
With all of the new students showing interest in the school, there will surely be a wonderful new class of 2029. Here’s to the new Panther Pride!
