Lucia Molina
Reporter
It’s the last period of the day, but the school day isn’t over yet. It continues with club meetings, play rehearsal, and sports practices. Through sports, clubs, and other after school activities, students have the opportunity to get to know their teachers better.
Dr. Lisa Arbues, World Language Department head, indicated that after school activities involving both students and teachers are beneficial to the students. “Extracurricular activities are rewarding because students go voluntarily and don’t have to worry about grades,” Dr. Arbues said. “They come [to Spanish club]and participate in the trips because they really want to learn the language.”
Students involved in teacher-involved extracurriculars have a chance to better understand and get to know them, as class time is limited. “I’m in several clubs and it’s always great to see teachers at the meetings,” junior Courtney Meyer said. “There isn’t any pressure to be quiet, which makes it easier to hold a conversation with a teacher.”
Model U.N. Advisors and history teachers Robert Stevenson and Paul Phillips take club members on overnight field trips for Model U.N. simulations, and to get to know the teenagers better. “We get to see them more as people in a social environment,” Mr. Stevenson said. “It’s great watching kids perform at their best — it’s a rush.”
Junior Leo Tahajian, a member of Model U.N., talked about his experience getting to know teachers involved in the club. “I’m in Model U.N. … and it’s nice to know that teachers are real people outside of the classroom,” junior Leo Tahajian said. “They’re not just robots that spit out knowledge.”
On the flip-side, some students prefer not to spend a lot of time with teachers outside of school. “I usually don’t see them [teachers]after school unless it’s for extra help or to finish a test,” freshmen Sunny Zannini said.
Others indicated that knowing a teacher outside of class may serve as an advantage in the classroom. “Knowing teachers outside of class is helpful,” sophomore Tyler Pelli said. “If you need help with something, there isn’t that awkwardness of not knowing your teacher.”
However, Health teacher and basketball coach Kim Palmer denies that a relationship outside of school through sports or clubs guarantees a leg-up in the classroom. “There are obviously more relationships built during team practices and games rather than in a classroom,” Ms. Palmer said. “But, I always treat my students equally.”
Freshman Matt Parino agreed. “My teachers don’t give any special attention to students they know outside of class.”
Principal Tony Pavia expects students to be treated equally in class. “It is a perception for a student to believe that they are disliked,” said Mr. Pavia. “Teachers teach because that’s what they love to do.”
Mr. Pavia indicated that he enjoys relating to students on a daily basis. “I try to have as many interactions as possible,” Mr. Pavia said. “In my office, the cafeteria, guest teaching in a class, or in extracurricular activities…I am here to listen and help.”
