Parents sample typical classroom experiences
Bring a Parent to School Day attracts 135 guests
“In the day-to-day routine of life, how often do parents really
get an insider’s view of what their teenagers’ school day is
like?
What if you got the chance to come to school with your teen,
walk the halls, sit in the classroom, and do everything your
child does on a typical day? That is what “Bring a Parent to
School Day” is all about at HFM BOCES.
On the last Friday in April, BOCES teachers and staff welcome
parents and guests to participate in a typical school day
alongside their children. Visitors get the chance to see and
hear what goes on in the classroom and sample the hands-on
instruction that is equipping their child for a career after
high school.
School counselor Kathleen Daly explained that the special day
has been held for “at least 10 years” and is well attended. This
year’s event attracted 135 parents.
Parents visited a range of programs, from criminal justice to
cosmetology. White-smocked parents baked cakes in the
food-service kitchen, while outside, dads and moms held
surveying poles while their children took measurements as part
of the environmental conservation program. Some parents and
guests assisted with auto mechanics or body work in the garages,
while others visited the construction workshops or sat in on
practical nursing classes.
Several parents traveled with their teens to Fonda to work with
horses as part of the Equine Science program, while a group of
moms relaxed for their beauty treatments in the cosmetology
classroom.
For some, there is a strong family connection. Cosmetology
teacher Donna Picciocca welcomed former student Kelly Stephens
while Kelly spent the morning being primped and styled by her
daughter, Donna’s current student Kristen Litts.
One classroom that was particularly popular among visitors was
Careers in Education, a new two-year program intended to provide
high school juniors with a beneficial transition from high
school to college-level programs in the field of education.
Taught by retired school superintendent Glenn Goodale, the
program gives students considering a career in education the
opportunity to survey many aspects of the field while earning up
to 12 college credits.
“The experience students are receiving in this program is
amazing,” said the parent of a high school junior. “Mr. Goodale
has been a wonderful influence and role model.”
An important aspect of the day was the opportunity for parents
and teachers to meet and talk about the program and student
progress. Food service instructor Cindy Fratianni found time to
talk with individual parents while hosting a group in her
classroom/kitchen, and while preparing the well-received
refreshments for the event.
“Mrs. Fratianni went out of her way to give me access and took
lots of time with me,” said a parent who shared a day in the
food service program with her daughter.
 Visitors were asked to evaluate the day to help plan for future
events. The comments ranged from appreciation for the chance to
see the new BOCES facility and to observe teachers in action, to
outright astonishment at the level of skill and accomplishment
by students. Among the comments on the evaluation sheets were
the following:
“The
teachers have a real connection with the students and make
learning interesting.”
“The variety of equipment and the skills my son has learned is
impressive!”
“The kitchen is as fast-paced as a real restaurant. I was
impressed by the way everyone worked as a team.”
“It was fun to spend the day with my son.”
“I’m very proud of my son.”
|
