Hundreds of parents traveled from far and wide to attend this year’s Fall Parents Weekend, a two-day event during which they shadowed students in class, met with teachers and advisors, viewed student art exhibits and performances, and cheered students on during athletic games.

On Wednesday, Middle School parents were invited to participate in the Celebration of Learning event, during which they were provided with “parent passports” and guided by their children on a journey through their classes to demonstrate their growth and mastery of each subject. In every class, parents were given an activity to do, such as a prompt whereby parents ask students something about the course, a joint activity, such as an experiment, that they conduct together, or a show and tell where students share some of their work.

On Thursday morning, Head of School Peter Nilsson addressed the Upper School community during school meeting in the Abdul Majeed Shoman Auditorium.

“Parents are our closest partners in the success of our students,” said Nilsson. “We look forward each year to working with you to help your children become the best that they can possibly be. That means helping your children thrive not only in the classroom…but also as students who live integrated lives across academic, social, spiritual, and physical dimensions, students who are global citizens who seek understanding of diverse experiences across the country, region and world.”

The audience was then treated to a performing arts showcase featuring performances by the Arabic music ensemble, the chamber orchestra — which performed Haydn: Divertimento #4, Allegro and Presto movements, the choir — which performed “How Can I Keep from Singing”, the guitar orchestra, and the dabkeh troupe which performed “Jafra,” choreographed by Arab Sumrain and Zaha Sumrain from Al Quds Group for Palestinian Folklore. In addition, students studying Arabic Art of Poetry recited verses they composed in ode to their parents, and student actors in the upcoming musical Little Shop of Horrors performed a scene and song, “Suddenly Seymour,” from the play.

Parents also had the opportunity on Thursday to meet with class deans, university counselors, school wellness counselors, and Round Square Office faculty among others, to gain a holistic understanding of their children’s wellbeing, progress, interests and life at school.

Fall Parents Weekend was the first time for many King’s parents to get a closer look at what their children do at school every day, how they are taught, and to experience some quintessential King’s activities such as a community lunch in the Hess Family Dining Hall or exploring the beautiful grounds around campus. Parents were also invited to participate in activities such as an outdoor yoga class on Commencement Lawn or a jog around campus with the head of school, and to help make a beautiful mosaic – a craft that King’s home city of Madaba is famous for.

On Friday, both Upper and Middle School parents were invited to join the head of school for a breakfast reception at the Student Union before heading off to their individual parent-teacher conferences throughout the day.