A variety of club fairs and activities like mum-making highlighted this year’s open house night Wednesday at Killeen ISD high schools.
At Shoemaker High School, new Principal Mary Lynn Gawryszewski made her rounds as student groups and staff sponsors finished setting up tables in the cafeteria for an open house club fair.
A line formed in the hallway leading to the cafeteria as family members signed in to meet with teachers and tour the school.
Students shook hands with parents and other guests making their way to the classrooms.
Volunteers from a mentoring program held signs identifying the hallways based on room numbers. Teachers stood outside their classroom doors as they waited to engage students and their families.
Parent involvement is just as important at the end of 12 years of schooling as it is in the earlier years.
These are the years, Gawryszewski pointed out, when students are making choices about life after high school, seeking out scholarships and the array of post-secondary options.
“When we can get our parents involved in what’s going on in the school and the classroom, we’re going to see students become more successful – not just in their grades, but in all aspects of their life,” she said.
Making parents and other family members feel welcome and a part of the school culture pays dividends by building broader support.
For the first time during an open house, Shoemaker hosted a club fair in the cafeteria.
Tables set up represented a huge variety of activities, including many of the athletic teams, fine arts groups, Student Council, National Honor Society, Thespian club, book club, FFA and others.
Bush’s Chicken, a big school supporter with a popular location across the street, provided snacks.
Other groups like the Boys and Girls Club and BOSS mentor program gave out information.
“When we work together as a team, students see that team, our teachers see that team,” the principal said. “It becomes part of the culture and part of the town, everyone is striving for that success.”
In another part of town, Killeen High School also hosted a club fair, but scattered the information throughout the campus.
As guests made their way to classrooms to meet teachers, they also learned about clubs and activities.
One popular stop in the front hallway provided tips for making homecoming mums and boutonnieres. Killeen High’s homecoming is a week away.
"Just like in elementary and middle school, parents staying involved in their student’s school life is so important," said KHS Principal Kara Trevino.
"There are so many opportunities available to students and many important decisions that need to be made throughout high school to set up our kids for post-secondary success. A positive partnership between a student’s personal family and school family can make a huge difference in a student’s life."
Shoemaker Student Council officers explained to parents and students their numerous service activities during the year.
“We’re all like a family. We communicate well together and work well together,” said junior Leanna Borders, student council reporter.
“Student council is for students. It helps the school environment and school spirit,” she said. “It’s also fun. It focuses a lot on seniors, so seniors should definitely consider joining.”
“In the world we’re in, it’s really important for parents to connect to what’s going on in school because stakes are getting higher with students working to get into college and get scholarships,” the principal said.
“If we can get parents engaged, I think we’ll see students getting more engaged in the work, and see the payoff in working hard,” she said.
Elementary schools hosted the annual Meet the Teacher visitation in August a few days prior to the start of school.
Middle schools will host open house next Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. The KISD Career Center open house is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 17.
KISD high school open house photo album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720320099978
