Summer break is in rapid fade away mode and Killeen ISD students and staff are making their way back to school.
Chaparral High School, Killeen ISD’s newest high school, was the first to host its freshman orientation, welcoming the newest Bobcats and their parents into the building Friday for a crash course on school culture and spirit.
See below for a link to photos of Cat Camp and for dates on freshmen events coming up at KISD’s other high schools.
Students and parents walked into the auditorium entrance to a spirited welcome from the cheerleaders and the mascot as the sounds of the band’s drumline echoed into the lobby.
Inside, dance team and band members moved to the beat, breaking into chants as students took their seats up front and parents took the back seats as directed.
Chaparral Principal Elizabeth Cunningham and her administrative staff introduced themselves and offered welcome before Student Activities Coordinator Cantresa Schineaux introduced the groups performing.
Band, choir, drama, orchestra and TopCat varsity and Charmers JV dance teams took turns on stage.
After the rally, students walked through a club fair in the cafeteria to get a feel for the wealth of organizations available on campus. They also toured the building with student tour guides and posed for IDs.
“It feels really good to have students back in the building. We’ve been working hard all summer to prepare and to give them a great experience,” Cunningham said following the rally.
“It’s so important for freshmen to feel connected so that they have friends and adults who they know care about them so they feel seen and safe so they can learn and have an amazing high school experience.”
Senior Audrianna Bower volunteered as a student council tour guide.
“I’m really excited about my senior year because I’ve been here since the school opened,” she said.
“Today I get to be a tour guide. It’s really important to get to engage with the younger students and get to talk about the different classes and clubs you enjoy.”
“I hope the freshmen leave today with an understanding of the layout of the school and that they find some clubs they are interested in.”
CHS Cat Camp photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328098104
All KISD high schools hosted readiness day earlier in the week.
New student orientations are scheduled at the following:
Early College High School freshman orientation is Thursday, Aug. 7 with information and campus tours. Freshmen and sophomores attend the campus on Fort Hood.
Harker Heights High School is conducting orientation Thursday, Aug. 7 with a pep rally, information and an organization fair. The school is hosting A Knight’s Quest Aug. 11 for new students to interact in a scavenger hunt.
Shoemaker High School is hosting Wolf Camp Thursday, Aug. 7 with an organization fair, information and a pep rally.
Killeen High School Roo Roundup is Saturday, Aug. 9 with campus tours and other activities.
Ellison High School hosts Eagle Launch Aug. 7-8 for parents and students to talk with counselors. Monday, Aug. 11 is Eagle Fest with a pep rally and a chance for freshmen to walk through their class schedules.