Last week, Back Creek Elementary hosted families for its Back to School Night. You can view photos in the slideshow above, or in a gallery with captions here. Here is more about the event:

Tuesday night, August 28, less than six months after celebrating its 75th anniversary, Back Creek Elementary School held its “Back to School Night” for the 2012-2013 school year. The parking lot was filled to capacity, and cars lined the sides of Bent Mountain Road. There was excitement in the air, as parents filed into the gym, and children rushed about looking for their friends. Principal Virginia Sharp greeted the families as she got the evening started, beginning with the announcement that funding had been secured, to install air conditioning in the gym. This announcement was met with cheers from both parents and children alike, which were already starting to feel the heat!

Throughout the evening, parents had two sessions that would give them time in their child’s classroom and to meet the teachers. While in the halls, there were tables set up for various ways parents could help at the school. The PTA was recruiting for not only membership, but for volunteers and homeroom mothers as well. Students Katelyn Fink, and Jack Richardson, were having fun helping Jack’s mother, Heather Richardson, sell car magnets, which supported the PTA. When asked what their favorite thing about “Back to School” was, Katelyn said that she “loves helping”, while Jack said that he loves “helping and learning.”

Nearby, Cub Scout Pack 224’s table received a lot of attention as well. Bill Kyle and his son Robbie were there to answer questions that parents, like Krista and Jordan Nance, may have had about their son, Zack, signing up for Cub Scouts. One of Robbie’s favorite things to do in scouting is camping, so it was natural for him to be able to tell other boys about outdoors activities, in hopes that they would join his pack.

Kindergartener Isaac Christly played with his little brother Connor, upstairs. When asked what the best thing about school was, he said “I’m going to teach him what I learn,” motioning to Connor. Becky Christly, their mother, said, “I love the fact that he has a place where he can put his energy. He is so smart.”

Landin Wray said his favorite thing about school was playing outside. Landin’s 2-year-old sister, Kenly, was sitting in the hall with her father, Adrian, as her big brother showed off his classroom to his mother, Krystal. Adrian, a father and high school teacher, mentioned how some of the Back Creek teachers had been there for so long. “It’s likely that some of these teachers are now teaching children of former students.”

Inside the building, the walls were decorated with a variety of children’s artwork. Student-painted murals are visible throughout the halls, as well as framed artwork, and painted tiles ready to be inlaid into one of two planters that will greet visitors in the front hallway. The pride and dedication to the children that one sees along these walls, was echoed in the eyes of the parents as they walk through the halls, on their way back to their car, after spending some time, in their child’s shoes.

That same sentiment was visible at Back to School Night, as Principal Sharp greeted families in the hall, speaking with parents about their summer, welcoming little ones born over the summer, and showing love to her students and their families. It is with that community dedication that Back Creek Elementary says, for its 76th year, Welcome Back Students.

– Photos and text by Michele Hancock