TOWAMENCIN- North Penn High School opened its doors on Thursday, September 21st for its first in person back-to-school night since 2019. This year there was a hybrid option, so parents could be physically in the building or virtually attend a Google Meet. Senior parent’s had a bittersweet time knowing that this could be their last back-to-school night, while sophomore parents experienced it for the first time.

Walking into the building’s main entrance, there were many things greeting the parents. There was a student-run cookie gram sale where parents could send their student a “back-to-school well wish” for $2. As well as a stand selling school merchandise. In front of the auditorium were staff members, including the principal, to help guide parents.

Back-to-school nights allow guardians to learn more about their children’s teachers, their plans for the year, and contact information. It was also an opportunity to ask the teachers any questions they might have had.

As parents’ walked from class to class, they only had a taste of what North Penn students deal with every school day. They had 8-minute passing periods, which is double the amount of time that students have.

They followed their child’s D-day schedule and spent 7 minutes in each class. Parents had more time in the halls than in the classroom. While they roamed the halls, JROTC students were there to help lost parents navigate the building.

While many parents were seen walking throughout the building, there were also parents going through their child’s schedule online. This brings up a debate on whether virtual, hybrid, or fully in person is the best option for back-to-school night.

A poll among 44 staff members says that 32 of them prefer in-person for back-to-school night. However, many understood why having virtual as an option would be helpful since the most important thing is parental involvement.

We anxiously await to see what next back-to-school night will hold, virtual, hybrid, in-person, or other. Thank you to all parents that came whether they were on a google meet or in the building and to all the teachers that stayed late.