Post by wvhsparent on Nov 9, 2006 16:15:51 GMT -6
Spend a day with students
(http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/foxvalleysun/news/buchenot/127063,2_6_5_FV09_JUDY_S1.article)
November 9, 2006
'Worst idea EVER," was the response from my two teen-aged sons when I asked them about the impending "Take Your Parent To School Day." Dr. Rudy Keller is organizing this event for Thursday, Nov. 16. On this unusual day, parents are being invited to ride the school bus or drive to Waubonsie Valley High School along with their son or daughter to spend a day as an average teen.
"We are proud of the school," said Keller. "We would like to share what we have with the parents. Most parents haven't been in a high school since they were attending high school and it's a different world today."
The lecture followed by another lecture followed by another lecture that parents might recall from their pasts has changed dramatically. Keller noted that today's teachers make their lessons very interactive. He even invites parents to bring a notebook and pen so they can join in.
"Parents can raise their hand to answer a question. If the class is taking a test, the parents can take the test. Parents can even do the homework. The one thing parents won't have to do is run the mile in PE," noted Keller. "Parents don't have to change into gym clothes for PE. They can just observe that class."
Keller is predicting that parents will be surprised at the level of instruction at the high school. Students are being introduced to higher level concepts and move at a more accelerated pace, which he feels will impress parents.
Another reason for inviting the parents into the school is to help parents see how well the system works. "We have about 1,100 people at the freshman campus and about 3,200 people at the main campus each day. It is amazing to see how we are able to move and accommodate that many people daily." Every time the bell rings, all of those people get up and many move to a new location in just minutes. Witnessing how the hallways fill with thousands and then are empty minutes later is a sight to see.
"And we feed these people lunch," added Keller. "Our cafeterias provide hot lunch with lots of choices each day for over a thousand people in three hours and 20 minutes." Visiting parents will eat lunch with their student and can choose to bring in a brown bag version or purchase a meal through the cafeteria.
Keller also hopes that parents get a more accurate picture of teenage life. "There is a combination of misconception and misunderstanding out there," he said. "We hope to clear up some things. These kids at this school are good kids. They are respectful and behaved. With 2,700 students at the main campus, life could be difficult. But we can provide a system that delivers education to that large number because our students are good kids that understand the rules."
To make this program manageable, only 100 parents will be allowed to attend at each campus on Nov. 16. The letters that went out had a reservation deadline of Nov. 6 but that deadline will be extended until all 100 slots are filled. If there is an overwhelming response, then Keller will try to hold an additional "Take Your Parent to School Day." He is asking that parents commit to attending a full day of school because a late arrival or early departure would prove disruptive to other students. Teachers will be notified that a parent is coming to class.
"I have no idea what the response will be," said Keller. "I think this will be a great way for a parent to be more in touch with their student." Parents should call (630) 375-3104 to visit the Gold Campus (ninth grade) and 375-3312 to visit the Green Campus (10th through 12th grades).
It will be interesting to see if parents do respond to this invitation. My own teenage sons did not have a positive response to the idea of being accompanied by a parent for the day. They thought it would be acceptable if someone else's parent chose to participate but they didn't particularly want to be seen with their own parents for a day. However, one son did add, "I guess if you really wanted to come for a day….." and then shrugged his shoulders.
My children loved it when I was the room mom in grade school and came for career day in middle school. But at some point, the relationship changes as teens strive to become independent. "Take Your Parent to School Day" should prove to be an interesting experience for students, parents and faculty.
Call Judy Buchenot, freelance writer and Fox Valley Villages resident, at (630) 820-0095.
(http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/foxvalleysun/news/buchenot/127063,2_6_5_FV09_JUDY_S1.article)
November 9, 2006
'Worst idea EVER," was the response from my two teen-aged sons when I asked them about the impending "Take Your Parent To School Day." Dr. Rudy Keller is organizing this event for Thursday, Nov. 16. On this unusual day, parents are being invited to ride the school bus or drive to Waubonsie Valley High School along with their son or daughter to spend a day as an average teen.
"We are proud of the school," said Keller. "We would like to share what we have with the parents. Most parents haven't been in a high school since they were attending high school and it's a different world today."
The lecture followed by another lecture followed by another lecture that parents might recall from their pasts has changed dramatically. Keller noted that today's teachers make their lessons very interactive. He even invites parents to bring a notebook and pen so they can join in.
"Parents can raise their hand to answer a question. If the class is taking a test, the parents can take the test. Parents can even do the homework. The one thing parents won't have to do is run the mile in PE," noted Keller. "Parents don't have to change into gym clothes for PE. They can just observe that class."
Keller is predicting that parents will be surprised at the level of instruction at the high school. Students are being introduced to higher level concepts and move at a more accelerated pace, which he feels will impress parents.
Another reason for inviting the parents into the school is to help parents see how well the system works. "We have about 1,100 people at the freshman campus and about 3,200 people at the main campus each day. It is amazing to see how we are able to move and accommodate that many people daily." Every time the bell rings, all of those people get up and many move to a new location in just minutes. Witnessing how the hallways fill with thousands and then are empty minutes later is a sight to see.
"And we feed these people lunch," added Keller. "Our cafeterias provide hot lunch with lots of choices each day for over a thousand people in three hours and 20 minutes." Visiting parents will eat lunch with their student and can choose to bring in a brown bag version or purchase a meal through the cafeteria.
Keller also hopes that parents get a more accurate picture of teenage life. "There is a combination of misconception and misunderstanding out there," he said. "We hope to clear up some things. These kids at this school are good kids. They are respectful and behaved. With 2,700 students at the main campus, life could be difficult. But we can provide a system that delivers education to that large number because our students are good kids that understand the rules."
To make this program manageable, only 100 parents will be allowed to attend at each campus on Nov. 16. The letters that went out had a reservation deadline of Nov. 6 but that deadline will be extended until all 100 slots are filled. If there is an overwhelming response, then Keller will try to hold an additional "Take Your Parent to School Day." He is asking that parents commit to attending a full day of school because a late arrival or early departure would prove disruptive to other students. Teachers will be notified that a parent is coming to class.
"I have no idea what the response will be," said Keller. "I think this will be a great way for a parent to be more in touch with their student." Parents should call (630) 375-3104 to visit the Gold Campus (ninth grade) and 375-3312 to visit the Green Campus (10th through 12th grades).
It will be interesting to see if parents do respond to this invitation. My own teenage sons did not have a positive response to the idea of being accompanied by a parent for the day. They thought it would be acceptable if someone else's parent chose to participate but they didn't particularly want to be seen with their own parents for a day. However, one son did add, "I guess if you really wanted to come for a day….." and then shrugged his shoulders.
My children loved it when I was the room mom in grade school and came for career day in middle school. But at some point, the relationship changes as teens strive to become independent. "Take Your Parent to School Day" should prove to be an interesting experience for students, parents and faculty.
Call Judy Buchenot, freelance writer and Fox Valley Villages resident, at (630) 820-0095.
