The staff here at Barlow do much more than teach and support students. Many are parents, but just a few are parents to Barlow students. Some students experience the same things their parents did years ago.
Some wonder if staff act differently at school than they do at home. Kinslee Chaney, whose father, Mr. Lewis, is the custodian, says that her dad is more fun at home. She said, “In middle school, my parents didn’t know much about how I am at school or in class, but now my dad is friends with all my teachers, so he knows everything.”
As you can imagine, there are some pros and cons of your parents working at the school. Anthony Molony, whose parents are Mr. and Mrs. Molony, explained how it can be good sometimes, as he can stay in their rooms and get help whenever he needs it. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Pate, Camden Pate, said a perk is, “Getting to spend more time with them, especially because I’m going to college next year, so I am grateful for the extra time with them.” Gianna Molony says, “As a high school athlete, it can be helpful to always have a place that I can put my tennis stuff in for practices or matches. It is also nice to always have someone there to help me out if I ever need it.”
Most people think having your parents working at the school can affect your experience, but to some Barlow students, it doesn’t. Ava Patchin, who is the daughter of Dan Patchin, the tech specialist, says, “It doesn’t affect my friendships; they know who my dad is and will greet him when they see him.” Russel Arnold, Mr. Arnold’s son, said, “It doesn’t affect or bother me at all. I’m used to it. Every once in a while, I hear, ‘Wait, is your dad Mr. Arnold?’ And usually it’s a fun conversation, especially when they figure out the relation to Mrs. Moffat.” Anthony Molony says, “It is interesting and it has its benefits, but I don’t think it affects any relationships I have.”
Some students have had their parents around them at school for a long time. Reagan Pate has had her mom at school for seven years as she worked at her elementary school, and her dad for just this year. Camden Pate has gone to school with his mom since third grade, and Ava Patchin has gone to school with her dad since pre-school. Dan Patchin has worked at several schools, and Ava has gone wherever he is.
