Cheer and dance teams performed, athletes drilled, art students painted and band members played.
Outside, family members played games, got up close to a Killeen ISD police officer and vehicle and a Harker Heights city fire engine and checked out a car and motorcycle show.
The Back to School Bash at adjacent Union Grove Middle School and Mountain View Elementary School attracted a huge crowd Thursday to an expanded version of an event that has grown into an annual neighborhood tradition.
The city closed off the section of roadway the schools share in a closeknit Harker Heights neighborhood.
Family members of all ages walked between the two schools where food trucks offered up sustenance in the midst of the celebration.
The scheduled two-hour bash began with cheer and dance performances in the middle school gym and later athletic drills in the gym and on the field for those interested.
Crimson Belles and Rosettes dance teams from nearby Harker Heights High School performed as well as Union Grove’s Golden Belles and cheerleaders.
A wide assortment of vendors from churches to restaurants, boy and girl scouts, clinics, businesses, the city library and numerous others provided information.
A sensory friendly area in the elementary library offered crafts and other quiet activity.
Union Grove Principal Joshua Rainwater and Mountain View Principal Christy Galloway said the annual gathering reflects the deep importance of community and partnership inside and outside the school grounds.
“We just wanted to get our parents and families and community out. It’s an opportunity for us to meet some of our future Grizzlies from Mountain View, but also to establish relationship and open communication with our families,” said Rainwater, who is in his first full year as principal.
“We want them to know we’re here for them not just on an academic and social level, but we’re here as part of the community.”
“We just thought it would be a great opportunity to put our own stamp on it and make it a big community event,” said Galloway, in her second year as principal.
“The city of Harker Heights really helped us out blocking the roads and parents brought their vehicles. It just shows the community support that KISD has, and we’re just really blessed to have that.”
“I think it bridges the gap between school and home, and it takes a village and we’re part of that village,” she said.
The two principals also pointed out the advantages they enjoy as next-door neighbors.
“It’s great for so many reasons. We have groups that go over there that read to their younger kids,” Rainwater said. “It’s great having that partnership with a school that feeds into us. There is a great community relationship and communications that goes on between us.”
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328825810