The first Reach Out Hangout of the school year was held on Sep. 20 in the ASB room, bringing together old and new friends.
The ASB Reach Out commission puts on a monthly event for students who may feel less comfortable in social situations, providing them with a safe space to hang out and build friendships with others.
“This is such a special time in kids’ lives and I want to make sure that the social groups created on campus are reflective of the diverse needs and experiences of all our students. I am so incredibly grateful to this group of students who work so hard to create these events,” said Emily Dugan, a teacher at Carlmont.
The Reach Out commission worked hard to organize the back-to-school themed event and was excited to give students the opportunity to reconnect.
Every Reach Out Hangout offers a large variety of food and fun games. After eating dinner together, students practiced their painting skills on paper and on each other, while others formed a large circle to play with frisbees in the quad.
Towards the end of the hang out, a few students initiated an impromptu game of football on the school’s football field, which drew in many of the attendees. Students were able to socialize across grades and engage in some spirited teamwork, which is one of the many reasons why they enjoy and continue to come to the Reach Out Hangouts.
“I love getting to know others who attend the events and being able to hang out with them,” said Sohie Pal, a sophomore and member of the Reach Out commission.
In addition to holding monthly hangouts, the Reach Out commission also offers a Reach Out club, which meets in Dugan’s classroom every other Friday during lunch. The club provides an additional opportunity for students to socialize as they eat lunch and play games, enabling them to further strengthen their relationships.
“[The students] get to be around peer role models, which can really help them improve their social skills,” Pal said.
There are many more exciting Reach Out Hangouts and other events to come, with the most popular Reach Out event being MORP. MORP is a smaller-scale dance that the Reach Out commission holds for students who feel less comfortable at larger school dances and it is a more casual take on prom. Last year, the dance was held in the Student Union at the beginning of March.
According to Pal, the next Reach Out Hangout is planned for Nov. 1 and will be Halloween themed.
“No matter your goal behind attending the hangout, it’s hard to not be touched by the positivity and inclusiveness that fills the room,” Dugan said.
