The excitement for open house at Nolan Middle School brought out the cheer team, the Mustang mascot, band, dance team and a whole lot of welcomed guests.
Killeen ISD middle schools welcomed family members Wednesday for the annual open house night to give parents a chance to meet teachers and get a first-hand look at school halfway into the first grading period.
At Nolan, signs pointed guests to a side entrance, where cheerleaders lined a sidewalk welcoming everyone inside.
In the cafeteria and gym, teachers gathered according to academic field and operated games for students and parents (and anyone else).
Family members bonded with teachers over bowling, sudoku and designing the best paper airplane.
Halfway through the event, the large gathering shifted to the gym for a pep rally and an introduction to fall sports teams, as well as the band, choir and cheer and dance teams.
New Principal Joe Gonzalez said the games and rally were meant to bring a little fun to open house.
Nolan parent liaison LeAnn Chase-Smith said that Nolan always draws a crowd at events, but that the extra incentives brought an even bigger-than-usual turnout.
“We decided to change it up a little to make it a fun atmosphere where parents could still meet the teachers, but in a fun, relaxed atmosphere,” said Gonzalez.
“They can have conversations and have fun together and we also have our fall pep rally,” he said.
Open house with a twist is the way Chase-Smith described the event, which included snow cones outside the building and concessions and a variety of community vendors inside.
“We called it Pride Preview because you just can’t hide that Nolan pride,” she said.
Teachers came up with the games, including some that fit their subject area.
“Kids can see their teachers in a different light,” she said, pointing out the wide range of support, including the school’s PTO and businesses that provided prizes.
“We have a great turnout,” she said. “I wasn’t surprised. I’m excited. We’ve been pushing it and we’re just so glad our parents are in the building. We’re having fun.”
Middle school open houses took place a week after KISD high schools hosted open house. Similarly, elementary schools hosted the annual Meet the Teacher night August 8.
