Homecoming

The lovely Homecoming 2010 t-shirt my Seniors gave me as a gift on Saturday.

Last weekend wasn't just Halloween, it was Homecoming for NHS. Homecoming traditionally occurs earlier in the Semester, as past students who have gone on to college attend. Luckily the weather was fine - even balmy - and the turnout was still impressive.

The festivities commenced with a 'Pep Rally' on the Friday afternoon. The whole school gathered on the bleachers in the Field House whilst the school band played and the student wearing the school ram mascot costume geared up school pride. Once settled, the Seniors facilitated a series of activities for our amusement, which mainly involved embarrassing teachers! I participated in the 'new staff' musical chairs and, although foiled in my plan to be first out (I actually made it just past the halfway mark), I was happy when my turn came to leave the 'stage', as I'd begun to sustain injuries - Principals here fight dirty! ;) Students were also directed in how to perform their 'Fight Song' - which they clap along to, en masse and encouraged to compete to spell the RAMS mission statement aloud.

The rally was followed by the Homecoming dance, which I'd volunteered to chaperone. Think of pretty much any High School-based movie you've ever seen and you've got it. The Field house had been transformed by some rather snazzy lights, a curtained area for a dance floor and a big screen showing music videos. Carved pumpkins adorned tables and at the entrance were Halloween-themed balloons. Luckily, the chaperones didn't encounter any incidents - the students mainly huddled together in the centre of the dancefloor for the duration of the night - which was almost a shame as my colleague had his torch to hand! The Homecoming court was announced and the King and Queen crowned. Highlight of the night was when the majority of the students present danced, in formation; just like in the movies! 'What song?' I can hear you ponder. Thriller? Nope, only some danced to that, though I wish it had been. The song that broke these students out of thier huddle was...Cotton Eyed Joe *face/palm*.

The following day, Halloween, saw a series of sporting fixtures being played at the middle school. In addition to the games, there are stalls and food - I bought some very tasty fries from Admin (SLT to you), run by students and teachers alike. Luckily I escaped being put in jail or being annoyed (people could pay for students to do either, or both, to specified individuals) although all the money goes into various fundraisers for the school, so it's all in a good cause. There is a definite vibe at Homecoming - a party atmosphere - and the students love it! It's a whole community event, as well.