For one morning, Hempstead Middle School parents swapped their roles as chauffeurs, lunch packers, and homework helpers for a rare opportunity to become middle schoolers themselves.
On February 5, parents took part in A Day in the Life of a Middle Schooler, a special event designed to give them a firsthand look at their students’ daily experiences.
From the moment they walked through the doors, parents were welcomed by the Hempstead Middle School staff. They began their day with breakfast and warm smiles before following their children to their first two classes. They observed lessons, interacted with teachers, and even witnessed the flow of a busy middle school morning.
“I loved seeing the engagement between the students and teachers,” Hempstead Middle School parent Marisha Jordan said. “We are lucky to have such a close, tight-knit feel at our school.”
For Vanessa Carizales, the experience was eye-opening.
“My son wasn’t too keen on me attending at first, but when I showed up, he was happy I was there,” Carizales said. “The hallways were running smoothly; everyone got to class and started their day. The teachers were great at keeping students engaged and focused.”
Following their classroom visits, parents gathered for a special meeting with the campus principal, Erika Douglas, who opened the floor for questions and feedback.
“I have no complaints. My kids love being here,” another parent said.
The overwhelmingly positive response has already sparked interest in a future event. Some parents even suggested an afternoon session to see how students navigate the latter half of their school day.
Whether it was watching their students tackle new lessons, experiencing the camaraderie of middle school life, or simply getting a glimpse of their child's world, parents left with a newfound appreciation for the journey their middle schoolers take each day.
“I have to thank Ms. Douglas for opening the doors to the middle school and giving us a peep into our students’ lives,” Carizales said.