In an effort to continue building connections with teachers as the first month of the school year concludes, Killeen ISD middle schools opened doors Wednesday to the district’s annual open house.
At Rancier Middle School, family members stepped inside to a welcome from enthusiastic cheerleaders and dance team members.
After signing in, they met together in the cafeteria to hear about services the school provides and to listen to introductions from faculty members.
Cheerleaders and the Ruby Roos dance team performed, and the school choir director ended the introduction with a solo.
Rancier Principal Janelle Muhammad walked through the hallways as parents joined their sons and daughters in walking through their school-day schedules.
She said the school is growing its roster of volunteers and there’s always room for more.
“This year we wanted to give them a full experience so they can see all the support we provide,” she said. “We wanted them to see us in a fun light first and then get to see the teachers in the classroom.”
“The cheerleaders and dance team bring a fun element. They always entertain the parents and lighten the mood. It’s a fun experience today. They are welcome here and we want them to know the programs we have available,” said Muhammad.
The principal brought teachers to the front of the cafeteria one grade level at a time and let them introduce themselves to start the event, leading into the student performances.
“We want all the parent help and engagement we can get, and we want to build on the culture change we’ve started,” she said. “Our parents are doing a good job of coming in and I appreciate their support.”
Eastern Hills Principal Jacqulyn Bridge was similarly pleased with the discussions she had with parents during open house.
“Parents are coming into the classroom and meeting the teachers. They are getting a sense of what we are doing in terms of the curriculum and that helps build the relationship,” she said.
“We seem to have more people here this year and the conversations are about academics.”
Eastern Hills history teacher Arlene Woods said she welcomed a crowd into her classroom during the two-hour open house.
“It’s very important because you can build that connection with the parents. They get to see the teacher and see what the kids are learning,” she said.
“You understand better what’s happening because you met the teacher and know the expectations and you can understand your child’s day and what it looks like for the teacher. That’s how you can help your child.”
History class, she said, includes exposing students to being a good citizen and truths of events going on in the world.
KISD high school open house is Wednesday, September 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Middle school open house photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328976721