Six days before the start of school, Killeen ISD’s elementary schools opened the doors and waves of family members flowed inside for a huge, enthusiastic welcome to a new school year.
From the newest rookie teacher to the most seasoned, school staff members seemed to agree that the annual Meet the Teacher introduction was a special day.
At Pat Carney Elementary School, teacher Jessica Smith was as thrilled as anyone to welcome her very first class of students. She worked in KISD as a classroom aide several years while earning her degree to become a teacher.
“This has been a long time coming,” she said. “I think education is so important. It’s a long journey and I feel like this is going to be an exciting year as I get to facilitate that role with these students. I am really excited.”
“It’s so fulfilling. It’s like when you dream of something and then you get to do it in another role. It takes on a new level of excitement.”
Parents with students pored over the class lists posted outside, then found their way to their classroom, where they met the teacher and learned procedures to direct the start of school next week.
Near the front door at Carney Elementary, parent liaison Justine Shively offered up information about some of the school’s offerings for pre-school children.
Little Cubs Literacy Camp introduces young children and parents to school. The school is also conducting six-session parenting workshops about supporting children at school and home.
“I’m super excited to see families come back,” said Shively, a parent of three-school age children. “I love to see the smiles on their faces ready to go.”
Skipcha Elementary’s halls buzzed with excitement as families and students meandered about in anticipation of the new school year.
Some wide-eyed students stopped just inside the front doors for a photo op with a fluffy, shining star, while others said hello to a smiling Ariel Woods –– the school’s first-year principal –– or searched out former teachers before visiting their new rooms and instructors.
About a mile away at Mountain View Elementary, Roydell Kennedy and his Harker Heights Knights varsity football teammates met their quota of high-fives with ease as mini-Mountain Lions streamed through the doors.
“Are you ready for school?” Kennedy asked each passing student. “You look ready!”
Some schools built their welcome around a whole theme. At Fowler Elementary School, staff members rocked out to a “Mix Tape” theme with many dressed in favorite decade attire.
Second-grade teacher Rebecca Turnbull said Meet the Teacher is one of her favorite days of the year.
“I enjoy seeing my incoming kids and the ones I’ve taught in the past,” she said. “It’s great to put a face to a name on a list. To me it’s a magical time. Everyone is ready to start the year.
The first day of school in KISD is Wednesday, Aug. 13.
High schools conducted readiness days last week and are hosting new student orientations on separate schedules. Middle schools are conducting readiness days as well.
Elementary Meet the Teacher photo gallery:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328250128/