Bookends at HBRHS
Hi, my name is Heather Marquardt and the HBR community is not new to me, as I am a graduate from HBRHS myself. My husband, Nick, attended HBRHS his first two years before moving and returning to our great community once he graduated. We have 3 children, two currently in high school. Levi is a Senior, and Addie a Freshman. I think that sentence hit me about two weeks ago.
As parents we do a lot of reflecting/observing, I think. For me, I catch myself in these moments often this year in particular. I have one child who is a Senior, transitioning into a young adult and I am enthusiastically ready to see how the rest of his senior year plays out. This is what I can say. Levi is encouraged, eager, and flourishing. More than I have seen him in past years. Senior year is his year! I see him taking interest and coming to me to engage in conversation about topics and issues in his classes. He has told me he can even value when he's being challenged to think this year. He really is enjoying Mr. Magis' government class and the open discussion teaching style that makes him and his peers really THINK. I appreciate it because my son, who will soon be going into 'the real world', will know how to have conversations, think for himself, and feel the need to have an opinion on social/world issues. He really enjoys IVVC (which teaches), and Mrs. Sanderson (who teaches) courses that are hands-on. I highly respect teachers who have taken time to invest in my child by fostering his interest. I’m sure many parents feel the same about those teachers who have connected with their child as well. There have been other names, along the way, Levi has mentioned often such as Ms. Harper, Mrs. Jones, Dr. Mueller, and Ms. Langston. I laugh and can appreciate that he throws Ms. Langston into the mix. School Secretaries can be the glue to a school. He says she makes sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to, and you can tell she cares and gets to know the students too. He says she has a trustworthy approach. I said, you know Levi, I've always found her to be helpful too. I think Levi will be well prepared for 'the real world' and that is what I think parents of Seniors, including myself, are very hopeful for.
But now, I have a Freshman again, Addie, and it's starting all over. I wasn't sure what Freshman year would bring, but I'm enjoying watching her find her place, voice, interest, and take advantage of opportunities. I'm beginning to hear some of those names that I used to hear from Levi, too….Ms. Harper, Dr. Mueller, Ms Langston. Now including Ms. Carver who she thinks is fun and likes that she has a dog and a turtle and will meet with her when she has questions. I wonder if Ms. Carver knows that those small bits of information she has offered has helped my daughter connect with her, which is a great start for Freshman year. Then, there is Mr. Sullivan, her Social Studies teacher where she says she gets to have peer discussions in his class along with class activities that involve the hall outside of his room. Addie Likes the school library and that Dr. Mueller includes the use of it during his class. She has enjoyed trying new activities/sports and now hobbies. She joined the school golf team where she felt a sense of community and loved Coach Jourdan’s coaching style. She tells me she plans on returning next year and is eager to practice over the summer. I know her grandpas will be happy to give her pointers and practice with her during the off season. That makes this Mama happy! She also looks forward to joining track and giving the high jump a try in high school. She’s been known to be pretty decent at it. I look forward to cheering her on.
So when I was asked to give my perspective as a parent of students at HBRHS I readily said yes. Yes, because I’m navigating what it’s like to have a Senior. And, when that truly hit me two weeks ago, it startled me a little on the inside. However, I found a bit of comfort in knowing that this year, his year, is making him ready for ‘the real world’. I said yes because I am enthusiastically ready to see what HBRHS has to offer my Freshman this school year and beyond, as I see she is off to a great start. I’m excited to continue to reflect and observe. More importantly, have conversations with and learn who my children are growing to be during their high school experience.