TOWAMENCIN- As North Penn High School began another bound towards a successful year, the doors were opened up to sophomore, junior, and senior parents to come spend an evening in their child’s shoes. Although it was far shorter than a typical school day, parents had the opportunity to walk through their student’s schedule, meet NPHS teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors, and learn more about the plethora of clubs/extracurricular activities that are offered at North Penn.

As they trekked through the halls, many parents couldn’t help but notice the large number of significant differences between their high school days and what a modern high school is like today. The most common thing that was surprising to parents was seeing the immense variety of courses that are offered at NPHS.

“The variety of available classes is so beneficial, because it really prepares you for whatever the next stage in your life will be, whether it be college, tech school, or trade.” remarked sophomore parent Ms. Paula Angelucci.

Another part of school life that parents remarked was extremely different from their school years was the huge presence of technology in every classroom. All the parents that I spoke to said that they only had a computer lab in their high school, and certainly not SmartBoards or Chromebooks.

“In my high school, we had one computer lab, and that was the only place in the school you could go if you needed to use the internet. It is so interesting to now see that every almost every classroom has at least one desk/laptop and a Smartboard.” stated Mrs. Carolyn Gomes.

Some parents were pleasantly surprised by the welcoming and friendly personalities of all the teachers they had interactions with throughout their evening. Several parents relayed to me that they feel teachers are noticeably less harsh than in their day and have become much more understanding towards the often hectic schedule of modern high schoolers, especially those who may work or are involved in a host of extracurriculars.

“What surprised me most is how cooperative and understanding the teachers appear to be. They all made it clear that they understand how busy we all are and will work with students to make sure that they can properly balance school and other activities.Teachers are not totally lenient, but they are more willing now than ever to help students learn in different ways, and not necessarily just stick to the book.” voiced Mrs. Marissa Cavanaugh.

When parents weren’t rushing between classes, they had the opportunity to learn more about a multitude of different clubs/activities that are offered at NPHS. Theater, Key Club, chorus, and a countless number of other groups had displays set up in the lobby and cafeteria, where parents could inquire and learn about anything they wanted to know about the clubs.

As hundreds of parents were roaming the hallways last night, struggling to find their way, staff and JROTC members were scattered all throughout the building to give directions to those who needed it. This was certainly needed, as many parents got lost before Knight Time had even begun.

“JROTC was great! I asked them for guidance numerous times tonight – they were helpful, polite, and kind! And postponed at all the critical intersections.” said Angelucci.

The one complaint that was expressed again and again was that there wasn’t enough time in between classes, especially since a large number of parents took longer than the allotted four minutes to get from class to class. The time they actually got to spend in each room seemed rushed.

“In future years, they should make each class a few minutes longer, or give us more time in between classes.” stated a group of moms I spoke to.

This feeling in certainly understood by many of the teachers, and some even agree with the sentiment.

“The only thing I think that could be done to better this event is to make the classes a minute or two longer. I do enjoy getting to meet the parents, but in some larger classes, I don’t get a chance to speak to or formally meet everyone.” voiced math teacher Ms. Michelle McLarnon.

However, McLarnon still praised the event.

“Despite the sometimes rushed feeling, Back to School Night has to be one of my favorite days of the year. My students often talk about the parents, or I communicate with them via email, so it is so nice to have a face and match the name. Also, parents may tell me things about the child that I would never otherwise know, so in general, I think Back to School Night is an immensely beneficial event for both them and the parents.”