BETHEL — Those who attended the Telstar High School annual open house on Wednesday night showed up hungry and left satisfied — and students who attended the event were allowed to take their laptops home with them.
The event began in the cafeteria with a potluck supper. After Principal Cheryl Lang gave a short speech about the evening’s activities, parents, guardians and students dug in.
Those in attendance could complete and sign a laptop care contract and pay a $70 insurance fee, allowing laptops to go home with the students. This year, there is no $100 deductible. If the damage is covered by insurance, the $70 fee covers the student.
After supper, attendees filed into the auditorium to watch two videos, one on laptop rules and safety, mandatory for those who wish to take laptops home, and one on the importance of attendance.
During the short assembly, Dean of Students Kristin Dacko and Lang stressed the importance of coming to school every day. They said seeing the students daily is their favorite part of the job.
Lang and Dacko also let attendees know that instead of study hall, students will have an “enrichment block,” where they will have access to all teachers during that period.
Cellphone rules were given, and parents and guardians were asked for their support in enforcing school cellphone rules, as well as any consequences that should occur.
“If (the student) is given a consequence, it is because of repeat issues, not a one-time thing,” Lang said.
Students were asked to have their cellphones turned off and out of sight during the school day, with the exception of their lunch period.
Students who were unable to attend the open house but wish to receive permission to take their laptops home can make arrangements in the high school office with secretaries Eileen Meisner or Leann Caruso to watch the laptop video and sign the contract.
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