Sometimes it’s difficult to find time to visit a school, so about 15 teachers and staff from Highland Elementary School brought the school to parents’ front doors during their “Open House at the House.”  On Wednesday, August 5, they boarded a yellow school bus and went door-to-door in the Gardere community.  This is the eighth year staff from Highland Elementary visited the neighborhood to remind students and parents the first day of school (August 7) is just around the corner.

Highland Elementary Principal Kaye Van Sickle said staff has tried holding an open house on the school campus in the past, but the turnout was not as good as it could be.  Many of the students’ parents work and have difficulty in finding time for the event.  After holding a brainstorming session, staff said why not host an “open house at their house?” The idea took off from there.

Van Sickle said students now look forward to seeing old teachers from the previous year and meeting their new teachers – on their doorstep.  “It helps to get past some of those first day jitters that some student may have” she said.  “It’s also a great way to talk with the parents and make sure they understand how important it is students come to school each day ready and excited for a new day of learning.”

Special thanks goes to the Big Buddy Program, which provided transportation for this event.