| Shadowing lets parents be students for day (3/08) | | Print | |
| Written by Bonnie Tong | |
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Twenty-five parents and community members followed students for a day during Lowell’s annual "Student for a Day" program, hosted by the Parent Teacher Student Association on Feb. 27. "Unlike Back-to-school Night, where parents only see the hallways, classrooms and some teachers but do not see the students in action, (the event) helps parents really see what it’s like at Lowell. It’s like being a fly on a wall for a day,” PTSA member and "Student for a Day" coordinator Chandler Moore said. Participants found the event rewarding. “The teachers and students were very friendly, and I enjoyed talking with them,” parent Nina Wong said. Parent Lotta Byström added that “interacting with everyone made me understand what Lowell is about.” Student hosts helped the visitors navigate throughout the day with their warmth and friendliness. "I was just really nice to (my shadow) and showed her around," sophomore guide Susan Lim said. "I showed her my school life — what I do every day, where everything is, and how much things like lunch cost. I think my parent knows her way around now.” Wong agreed that she is more familiar with the school after her visit. “(Lim) kept me well informed of the classes and introduced me to the teachers,” she said, adding that she received “VIP” treatment from orchestra teacher Michele Winter. One class project especially impressed Byström. Advanced placement environmental science teacher Katherine Melvin had students carry their garbage around for a week to see how much they consume and waste. “If nothing else, at least that is something her students will always remember,” Byström said. “It made the students active and made them talk, not only about the project.” After a day at Lowell, parents better understood student responsibilities. “Students really need to be self-starters and take responsibility for what they are doing,” Byström said. In the optional questionnaires parents completed after their visits, they said the teachers were “extremely good, prepared and knowledgeable,” according to Moore. Students were “enthusiastic, engaged and eager to participate. It was definitely a success for those who participated,” she said. Moore nevertheless wished that more parents had participated. “I’m happy we’re at the 25 number, but I wish it was larger and more parents took advantage of this opportunity. It’s a win-win for everybody,” Moore said. “Students love it and parents enjoy it.” Lim agreed that both she and her shadow enjoyed the event. “It was a fun experience,” she said. “I could tell (my shadow) was really thankful for the opportunity. I look forward to next year’s (event) already,” she said. |
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to listen.
