It’s about 7:40 a.m. Most SPF students are putting the last few things they need for the day in their backpack, tucking their phone in their back pocket, and in some capacity, saying goodbye to their parents before heading out the door. They then won’t see them again until sometime after school when they regroup at home. 

“Most students” is not all students. 

Some students will walk down the hallways and wave to their parents through classroom doors. Or see their names labeled on office doors. Or even see their names pop up on peers’ schedules as the start of the new school year begins. Where your parents don’t drop you off at school, but walk through the doors with you and stay there through the end of the day. Take your child to work day. Every. Single. Day. 

This is what an average school day looks like for students whose parents are members of the SPFHS staff.

Kerrin Wojcik. The name might sound familiar to some SPFHS students whose guidance counselor is Suzanne Wojcik. 

“I really like having my mom work at school because I can go during the day and see her,” Wojcik said. “It’s a sense of comfort I think and knowing I can go to her throughout the day if I need makes the day more relaxed.” 

For Kerrin, seeing her mom stroll through the high school or even just in her office has been a normal occurrence for her since the start of her freshman year. She doesn’t mind it in the slightest; she’s never late to school, has a prime parking spot and even snacks when she needs them. However, she often finds it awkward when she hears her mom speak to her and her friends in a professional tone. 

TJ Baylock, another familiar name. Whether it’s from knowing TJ yourself or just being familiar with the name Baylock, most SPFHS students will recognize the name. Baylock is another student like Kerrin. His dad, Thomas Baylock works as a physical education teacher here at SPFHS.  

Mr. Baylock recognizes his situation is unique and really enjoys having his children in the district. He enjoys getting a first hand look at seeing them be successful in the things that they do. However, Baylock did mention that he tends not to talk to his kids much during the day as to let them enjoy high school. 

“My perspective might be different then other parents because I know what goes on inside the school,” Baylock said, “…Whereas other parents get their information second hand.”

TJ has the other side of the perceptive. He enjoys having his dad at school, however it doesn’t really have a large impact on his daily life. Because of this, he feels comfortable in the school environment and is familiar with a lot of the staff members. 

“My best memory is seeing my dad in the hallway and having him embarrass me in front of my friends,” junior TJ said. “Even though I was slightly annoyed at the time, looking back, I think the moment was very funny.”

Having your dad as a PE teacher also means you have someone to hold your gym clothes. Whenever TJ brings in new gym clothes, he sends them with Baylock, who keeps them by his desk rather than having TJ carry them around all day.

Going to school with your parent definitely has its positives and negatives, but the pairs of students and parents here at SPFHS seem to enjoy each others’ company.