On Dec. 10, Parkway West High School held its annual curriculum night. Although the event was rescheduled to another date due to a snow day, West High quickly reorganized and delivered a successful evening. The yearly curriculum night helps eighth-grade students get a glimpse of their high school experience and spread awareness of the various courses and clubs available.

The evening transformed the gym into a powerhouse of 60 tables, each featuring information and activities offered by West High. Many teachers use this evening to explain their course options, from AP courses to regular grade classes. This evening can help eighth graders prepare for their first day of high school in the fall of 2026. Junior Sara Ashok is part of the girls’ JV tennis team and the Speech and Debate team.  

“My role tonight was at the Speech and Debate table. I was able to give new students an insight into what this team is really about. I enjoyed being able to demonstrate and explain how we prepare for our events, and my goal for the night was to show incoming students how supportive and energetic our team is,” Ashok said.

Beyond the different courses that the eighth graders had a chance to explore, curriculum night also offered the opportunity to showcase the leadership opportunities available. At West High, our student council plays a huge role in planning events and demonstrating leadership throughout the day. Junior Zainab Al-Jaff holds a significant role on Longhorn Council as the philanthropy chair. Al-Jaff spent the evening providing information on how to run for specific positions and on the ways students can get involved in this campus-shaping community. 

“I chose to represent the student council because, when I was an eighth grader, I always wanted to be part of the behind-the-scenes planning of everything. I also enjoy making our school a place where everyone feels welcome, and I wanted the eighth graders to see that from our student council group,” Al-Jaff said. 

In the end, curriculum night isn’t just a chance for parents to see what students are learning; it is a celebration of what staff and students have accomplished within the first semester of the school year. Evenings like this remind us of why “we are West High.”