Back to school

Parents of South Whidbey High School students were sent to school Thursday night to get a taste of high school life.

While they missed out on hot lunches, gym class and trips to the principal's office, they did get a couple hours to see where and how their children spend their school days.

The open house also offered an opportunity for parents to hear from their student's teachers about curriculum and expectations in each class.

The annual event was an eye opener for some parents, letting them know that not everything is always as their children tell it. Joan Hertel was impressed to learn just how much her daughter's math teacher is willing to help.

"He let us know that students could come to him during lunch for extra help and he noted that students hadn't taken advantage of that this semester," she said. "I will make sure my daughter is aware of that."

In some cases students accompanied their parents. Freshman Nathan Frye attended with his mom and dad, Samantha and Fred Frye.

"I just wanted to show off my school, where I hang out," Nathan said.

The Fryes were impressed with their son's sound engineering course, taught by Brent Purvis.

Rushing between the first and second periods of the open house, Dana and Christine Dowell stopped long enough to talk about what they were learning in school.

"We can keep on top of what is required and just learn more about the various opportunities at the school," Christine Dowell said.

Carmen Falso of Freeland was escorted by his daughter, freshman Nicole. Lucky for him, his daughter said, because the twists and turns and school hallways can be bewildering.

"He would have gotten lost without me along with him," NIcole Falso said.

Parents spent about 12 minutes in each of the classes their children attend. They also got together in a large session for a school overview with school principal Mike Johnson.

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