Story by Maya Bennett
Staff Writer
Photo by Mac Shropshire
Staff Photographer
SPHS hosted the annual Back to School Night on Thursday, Sept. 10 for parents to meet their children’s teachers. Parents were given the chance to familiarize themselves with the classes’ curriculum for the 2026–27 year.
The night began with a welcome performance from the SPHS drumline and SPHS pep squad around 6:10 p.m. The parents gathered in a big crowd at the Tiger Patio to watch the show. SPHS principal John Eldred gave his speech about the new assistant principal, Jessica Zavala, and junior Cassie Yao sang the Star Spangled Banner to the crowd.
Parents rushed between their children’s periods zero to seven from 6:20 p.m. to 8:10 p.m.
They started off the night in their children’s period one before transitioning to their next class in the odd day schedule. After, parents began walking through their typical even day schedule, before ending the evening with seventh period.
Parents transitioned between each of their child’s odd day schedules, later on walking through their typical even day schedule, ending with seventh period.
Parents had the opportunity to learn about each individual class and teacher throughout the evening. Parents were given 10 minutes for each class to learn about curriculum and familiarize themselves with the class teacher.
Teachers introduced their class to the parents with slideshows providing information of the class curriculum and structure as well as the grading process.
A five minute passing period was provided in between each class, ensuring enough time to navigate throughout the school.
Various clubs and organizations were seen occupying tables across the school to raise money and spread awareness regarding their club.
A variety of assorted goods were available for purchase during Back to School Night. Concession items such as cotton candy, crepes, brownies, and cookies were sold for prices of $1 and $2.
HOSA, a medical club, was selling iced tea, water, Yakult, and cookies and Biomed club was selling brownies, crepes, and giant and normal sized cookies.
Math teacher Eric Ketchum noticed some differences across students’ behaviors across the years. Ketchum found a difference across the years that he has been teaching.
“They don’t have to be on top of their kids, but there are ways that they can if they want to,” Ketchum said.
The night ended with the final bell ringing, marking the end of the seventh period session.
