As the student ambassadors walked into the building, Ms. Maguire rushed around to guide helpers to positions, whether they be tour guides, door holders, or those who passed out the information pamphlets. They hurried to their positions just as the clock strikes one, and one by one prospective families started to arrive. Padua’s Open House had begun.

In the cafeteria the Padua’s Women’s Chorus sang them a medley of songs, including the White Winter Hymnal and Mrs. Mann went around greeting everyone. A variety of food was brought out for the visitors to feast on, and tours of the building started soon after.

In each room, visitors were presented with a sample of each department’s offerings. The literature room showed the collection of Padua’s summer reading books, the classes students can take, and even the stories students read during the year. The language room had a variation of festivities for each language: Spanish, Italian, and French. Colorful flags were hung at each “station” and the language teachers awaited the visitors. Heading downstairs to the Learning Commons, one of the students was dressed up as Padua’s mascot, the panda. Taking pictures with the panda allowed the guests to loosen up before they started their visit.  Up the fourth floor, visitors experienced the science department along with the art and textiles classes. Visitors had the opportunity to look at fellow students’ work, including drawing, painting, and sketching. On the third floor, the gym was very busy. All the sports coaches stood in their designated spots and explained the athletic opportunities Padua. 

Around four o’clock, and just as one last family finished their tour, Ms. Maguire started to clean up. Food was brought back to the kitchen, tables came down, and the chorus wrapped up. See this site so you know which foods are especially notorious for attracting ants in the kitchen. Teachers cleaned up their rooms, and the students made their way to their lockers to change their shoes. One last picture was taken with the panda and the 2015 open house was finished.