Back to School, Take Two

Some of the many teachers at Back to School Night for Parents

                                       
                                                              Story by Kathy Hossler
                                                 Photos by Vanessa Baxley and Kathy Hossler
          Back to School Night for Middle School and High School Parents was held last night, with great success. Parents who came to the elementary Back to School Night earlier in the week were encouraged to attend this event too since they would learn more about their students individual schedules. This evening began again with an introduction by School Relations Director,Vanessa Baxley, but unlike the elementary introduction, this one was focused on the college preparation they incorporate in the everyday lives of students at school. As the opening at the church ended, the parents headed off to their student’s classes. The administration challenged the parents to make it to their classes on time, like their students, within the four minutes scheduled for class change. In between classes, the parents soon began to joke whether or not they would get a tardy slip or lunch detention for being late to class.
          As the teachers gave grace to the parents who came late, they further illustrated the curriculum and what is to come in the upcoming school year. Some teachers, like Greta Gieseke and Dr. Jim Humprhies, got the opportunity to introduce a new format of the curriculum to parents which are the online textbooks and homework that students use. Also, many teachers let the parents know that they could contact them whenever they want through e-mail and if necessary, by phone. With this event, parents were very communicative, asking the teacher’s specific questions about the curriculum, the progress of the students, and even about their home life, for those who knew the teachers well.
          Teachers took great pleasure in being able to talk with parents and get to know them better. Alumnus of St. John Lutheran and new teacher, Andrew Kaley, said of the event, “For me it’s helpful; it’s great to just get to meet the parents, put faces with names. I think that’s the biggest thing – just being able to talk with parents, let them know my expectations of the students.  That way they’re not just hearing what student’s say about class. They actually get to hear from my perspective what the classes are all about.” He also thought that overall, the parents’ responses were very receptive and good. For Kaley, he feels that it is considerably different coming back as a teacher, but at the same time it seems like home to him since he attended St. John Lutheran for twelve years.
          Another teacher, Rebecca Schaffer, who is the music teacher of the school, believes that Back to School Night for Parents is a wonderful chance to be with parents and get to know them better. She especially likes that it gives parents the chance to get to know who she is, since she is one of the teachers of a special curriculum and doesn't get to see them on a daily basis. The responses of the parents were really positive and they seemed to enjoy going around the student’s schedule. “I think they had fun, kind of experiencing their child’s day and I think most of them were so thrilled to see who the teachers are,” explains Schaffer.
          In addition, parents enjoyed the time to learn more about each student’s classes and teacher(s). Ruth Westol, both teacher and parent, has two graduated daughters from St. John Lutheran and two sons who are currently enrolled as a senior and eighth grader. She appreciates how St. John Lutheran has a family atmosphere with strong academics and caring teachers. She also likes how students have the opportunity to play sports or join clubs. She does wish that there would be more community mission opportunities for the kids so that they could help the homeless. New parent, Lois Hossler, says that she and her husband chose this school because of its high academic standards and achievements of its past students. She takes interest in many things about St. John Lutheran. “One thing that really impressed me tonight were that many teachers made comments about steps that they take to assist in college preparation,"  Hossler noted. So, it isn’t just about doing well in high school, it is about being prepared for college. Personal fitness teacher, Teddy Lausier talked about résumés writing with the students and conducting mock interviews with his classes to prepare them for real life experieces. Vanessa Baxley talked about how tough she is during the editing process of stories in her journalism class, because that is what it is like working with a real editor and print deadlines.  Hossler also appreciates the laptop driven curriculum, since it is a necessity for a college level education.
          To conclude, Back to School Night for Parents ended with a dessert reception in the courtyard, Parent Teacher League and Athletic Boosters information tables, and many raving reviews by both parents and teachers.
To view more photos from this event, click the link MS and HS Parents Go Back To School Album