It is a cool flex to be able to say, “I go to school with my mom everyday,” or, “My dad works just down the hall from my classroom.” For about 30 students here at St. Dominic, that flex is their reality.

For sisters Rose and Erica Juergensmeyer, attending St. Dominic is truly a family affair.

“There was never a question if I would go to St. Dominic or not because my siblings, parents, aunts and uncles, and even grandparents went here so the fact that my mom was working here only became a benefit financially,” science teacher Mrs. Angela Juergensmeyer’s daughter, freshman Erica Juergensmeyer said.

While many students don’t see their parents for the entirety of the school day, a few have the opportunity to see their parents whenever they want throughout school hours. Having a parent so close to you at all hours of the day, however, can be both a blessing and a curse.

“Having my dad here at school gives me great access to him when I need something, and made getting to school very easy before I could drive,” President of St. Dominic Mr. Jim Welby’s son, junior Kelly Welby said.

“It’s nice having someone who I know can help me with my Lit/Comp class.” commented Jack Duncan, son of Mr. Duncan.

“Going to the same school my mom teaches at gives me more time to spend with her coming to and from school. It is easy when I need something from her, or have to ask her a question because she is just a hallway away.” Rose Juergensmeyer said.

While some may think having your mom or dad around all the time would be fun, sometimes having a parent so close all the time can be a bit stifling. Although they love them, having a normal high school experience is challenging for some of our faculty’s children.

“I feel like I can’t be my genuine self with my mom standing right by my lunch table during empower hour,” custodian Mrs. Heidi Havrilla’s daughter, senior Marian Havrilla said.

For other students at St. Dominic whose parents are teachers or administrators, being at school with their mom or dad is all they know and may be somewhat of an advantage.

“I really would not have a preference if my parents worked at my school or not, but I also have experienced it my entire life as my mom was always at my elementary school. They are a great resource to use and go to at any point during the school year,” Welby said.

The constant presence of a parent is not the only challenge these students face. The question of any bias happening between the faculty member and their child, whether real or perceived, is always present.

“There is no bias with teachers, although many friends like to have fun with me about it, you just get used to it. When I come to school here, I am just another ordinary student, just another junior, just another student athlete, and just another person who loves it here,” Welby said.

This might bring up the question, are kids with parents who work at St. Dominic treated differently? The answer was unanimous among all of the students who were asked.

“No, people treat me the same as always. I have great friends and teammates who love to mess with me about it, but never seriously. Maybe people who I am not as close with see me as the President’s son, but most people just see me as Kelly,” Kelly Welby said.  

All of the students who have parents at St. Dominic agree that there is no favoritism whatsoever among them and their classmates. Every teacher and faculty member has one goal in mind regardless of who their son or daughter is. This goal is to set all students up for success and provide the best education possible.