BBQ and movie night kick off new school year

To end the first week back to school, the school hosted the annual barbecue lunch in the quad on Friday, Aug. 21, and showed “Big Hero 6” in the quad later that night.

The 2015 PTSO barbecue ended with 1,400 students and staff served in 10 minutes. More than 500 people also attended the movie night.

“It was interesting to have the juniors and seniors on campus at once for the barbecue; the food was really good,” freshman Sruthi Raj said. “PTSO was friendly, and it was fun to catch up with my friends.”

Parent volunteers started to set up the BBQ at tutorial and break and by lunch, the quad was filled instantly with lines of students, and tables of hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chips, watermelon and cookies for people to eat.

“It was fun, but also a little chaotic because there were so many people,” parent volunteer Laura Menard said. “However, it was very well organized and I think it’s fabulous to offer a meal to everyone.”

Students polished off the food prepared by the parent volunteers upon arrival, even heading for seconds after a few bites.

“It definitely raises school spirit,” sophomore Isabelle Yang said. “It’s closed campus which means more people can enjoy the lunch, plus free food.”

The whole event brought together all students and staff, giving everyone a chance to meet new people, catch up with old friends and gradually settle into the new school year.

“I think it’s good to officially say ‘welcome back, we’re here together, and we’re all part of the learning environment,” assistant principal Brian Safine said. “To have a day where we all gather in the same space to enjoy each other’s company is not only practically enjoyable but symbolic of a greater sense of community.”

Later that day, students and staff lounged around on lawn chairs and blankets in the quad at 8 p.m., eagerly waiting for the movie to begin.

"The whole idea of a kick off event is to get people together at the beginning of the school year," senior and ASB president Aakash Thumaty said. "I think the movie night does a great job of this. A lot of people like it and a lot of people come to it, which is the overall concept."

Several food stations were run by each class at the movie night. The sophomores sold Yogurtland frozen yogurt, while the juniors and seniors sold drinks and candy, all hoping to jumpstart funding for the classes at the beginning of the year. ASB also popped some popcorn for the movie-watchers.

The sophomores raised $330, the juniors netted $114, and the seniors gained $165.

“I think Movie Night is a really great way to celebrate the start of the school year and also to share the homecoming themes,” senior class president Summer Smith said. “It’s a great way to get to meet new students and promote the classes and all the events that will be going on this year.”