Big Night In, Big Success

Last spring, FIS introduced the Big Night In for Grade 6-8 students and so far, it’s been a big success.

This recurring event, which was brought to FIS and is coordinated by FIS parent Alex Marciante, is promoted as a fun opportunity for middle schoolers to hang out, play sports, dance and be with their friends on campus. But the truth is that it is actually much more than that.

At FIS, very little happens by chance and without thoughtful consideration. Jeff Kalas, Upper School Counselor Grades 6-8, shed a little light on the Big Night In events.“The greatest physical and emotional changes children go through occur at the time of puberty,” he said. “There are developmental milestones that children need to experience throughout their schooling to mature into healthy adults. The Big Night In is a type of milestone event that helps promote their social and emotional development.”

Children between the ages of 10 to 14 frequently feel too old to be closely supervised, but yet are often also too immature to be set free far beyond the home. FIS acknowledges this and provides the appropriate activities, freedom and supervision at Big Night In events. “I feel comfortable because they are safe,” said Trista DiDonato, parent of three FIS students (two of whom are in middle school). She added, “Big Night In is a great environment for students to make good choices.”

The middle school years are a critical time in which students are learning about the importance of making good choices and being responsible. Grade 7 student Dimitris Kern is currently the DJ (disk jockey) for the Big Night In events. It’s a major responsibility and he is maturing from the experience.  “I am much better at being a DJ now than last year,” said Dimitris. “I am very proud.” 

Daniel Cowan, Upper School Principal Grades 6-8, was instrumental in helping create the Big Night In experience. He said it has been a big success and has actually replaced the traditional seasonal dances. "Big Night In is more popular than dances,” he said. “There are choices of activities and unlike a traditional dance, there is no social pressure.” Grade 7 student Catie agrees. “It’s much more fun than a dance,” she said. “Kids can dance or do sports or just play."

Big Night In has also been successful at bringing FISW middle schoolers to the Oberursel campus. According to Carolyn Walker Dietrch, an FISW middle school parent, “About 50% of our middle school students attended (in June). They want to meet new people, have fun and just be kids.”  

Students are not the only ones benefiting from these Big Night In events. Profits from the events are all donated to charity, and parent volunteers who set-up, chaperone, work the concession stand, and clean up, have a chance to connect with one another and be “loosely” involved in their children’s social lives. Last, but not least, Mr. Marciante says, the “Big Night In is also a Big Night Out opportunity for parents. While their children are safe at school and having fun, parents should consider having their own Big Night Out and meet at the nearby Waldtraut to connect with other middle school parents for a laugh.”

Emmett Kelly
FIS Parent