Thousands of North Penn students populate the high school’s halls every day, passing by the familiar rooms and lockers, making conversation with teachers and fellow students, in the same well-known manner. Taking in the hallways from a new and fresh perspective are the children of teachers and faculty members for bring-your-kid to work day.
Monday, April 21, North Penn High School honored the annual event a few days ahead of national schedule due to PSSA testing, but the experience remained just as rewarding for both children and their parents. The children were able to get a feel for the building and even participate in classrooms, sitting in and observing discussions and playing class review games.
In welcoming the children of North Penn teachers, younger generations are able to gain a perspective on a school different from their own, and in the shoes of a teacher. Not only is school able to be seen in a different light, but so are the children’s very own parents.
“It is great to have your child see a different side of you. Children often hear parents talk about work or see them working at home and a day like this allows our teachers to share why they do that with their kids. I always enjoyed bringing my daughters in on these days because it is a great experience for them, they get to learn more about why I love my job, and it gives them great memories that we still talk about years later,” explained North Penn High School principal Kyle Hassler.
Not only does the day open up connections between parents and children, but can also provide an eye-opening experience for potential career paths. Being exposed to possible career options through the lens of their parents’ jobs allows children to find interests, serving as “a great chance for them to get to see a potential career and what it takes to be a teacher,” Hassler explained. “Hopefully we had some future teachers in attendance today!”
In its celebration of the national event, North Penn School District sets the expectation that children do not serve as a classroom distraction and remain under supervision, with Hassler putting an emphasis on children remaining with their parents. The day serves as a bonding experience that brings the teachers of the school and their children closer.
“It is an important day to strengthen our North Penn family. When you spend so much time together at school with your students and coworkers it is nice to see a glimpse of each others’ families. The smiles that you see on the childrens’ faces is amazing, which makes the day unforgettable for all,” Hassler said.
