This years senior class has a special group of students who are getting ready to graduate this month. These students all have parents who also work in the school with them all day long. This creates an interesting family and school dynamic. Three Salida High School employees have children graduating this year: Jennifer Campbell, the school secretary; Becky Capozza, the school nurse; and Rene Frazee, the school Spanish teacher. Campbell’s daughter is senior Scarlett Campbell, Capozza’s daughter is senior Eva Capozza, and Frazee’s daughter is senior Grace McFarland.
When asked how they navigate the balance between being a mom and being a staff member, they all said something a little bit similar. Campbell said, “There are times it’s really hard because of course my child will want to come in and visit and want me to be a mom, but I can’t be a mom at the time, I have to be a secretary.” Frazee noted that, “I maintain professionalism and boundaries by expecting the same thing from my children as I do any other student.”
Being a staff member and a mom at the same time can be difficult, especially in a small town. Campbell noted that there are times that her daughter comes to her for things that they do not need to talk about while at school and would probably be better discussed at home or somewhere outside the school day.
“That’s been the hardest part. For both of us to navigate the right time to talk about things that don’t pertain to school,” Campbell said.
Capozza reminisced fondly of the days when she had both of her daughters in the high school at the same time. She went on to explain how the girls would just leave their bags and other things in her office as if it were their locker. Sometimes, she said, she used to call them out of class to come get their stuff out of her office so that she could get her work done.
Frazee explained that, as a teacher, she was constantly working in the school’s student management system called Infinite Campus. She had set up notifications in Infinite Campus for her own two kids’ grades so that she was receiving notifications even while she was working on her own classes that she taught.
“I probably know their grades for each assignment before they do,” laughed Frazee.
Parents and students that both share the same daily schedule can be nice, but it also has its downside, noted Frazee. She went on to say that she has had both of her children as students in class, she knows what kind of students they are. Frazee explained that, while she does see her kids’ teachers around the school and takes opportunities to have brief conversations, she can’t go to things like parent teacher conferences because she is also working during that time.
Another challenge to working in close quarters with your kids can be the awkward moments that arise with your kids’ friends. Campbell disclosed that there are times when Mr. Hull and Ms. Cooksey are not around, and agitated students can end up in the office frustrated and unsettled.
During those times Campbell notes that, “I have to be an authoritative figure, it can get hard. I’ve had to regulate students who are normally hanging out at my house, and that can become a little awkward because normally I’m not that kind of person.”
Campbell goes on to say that in those times she just has to suck it up and do her job in the way that is best for the kid involved. Even though she may have a personal relationship with the students, she has to move past that and deal with the issue at hand. All of our senior parent staff members have great kids, and are feeling both excited and sad for their kids to be graduating.
“It’s super bittersweet, I’m excited for what she has in store and I can’t wait for her to go, but I love her. But I know I’ll be really sad when I don’t have those interactions 3 or 4 times a day.” explained Campbell.
Being a senior parent seems like it comes with a ton of mixed emotions. Our seniors will be missed both by the students at Salida High School, but especially by their families. We are super excited to see them go and live their lives and we wish them all the best of luck!
