Teachers, Family and Community Members Welcome Back Forney ISD Students
Students in Forney ISD returned to school on Monday, Aug. 20 to hundreds of smiling, excited teachers, administrators and school employees. In addition, community members from a number of local organizations and churches also joined Forney ISD employees at schools across the District shaking hands, opening car doors, giving high fives and wishing all of the students another fun and exciting school year.
“This is the first time we have had community members join us at the schools as we welcome back our students,” said Forney ISD Superintendent Dr. Justin Terry. “It was really amazing. I think the students were really surprised and excited to see so many people at their school. I think it really got them excited about starting another great school year.”
More than 150 community volunteers from school Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO), area churches, civic organizations, fire and police departments and city officials were on hand to dole out high fives, shake hands and provide words of encouragement as students entered the 14 campuses across the District. Upbeat music, photo prop opportunities and several kindergarten parents had the opportunity to have a “Boo hoo Breakfast” or “Tears to Cheers” time in the libraries. Toyota of Rockwall provided volunteers with breakfast snacks and refreshments to fuel them for the morning welcome.
“I have never had the opportunity before to welcome all of these students back to school,” said Mary Baker with the Forney Lions Club. “You really have to experience it to see all of the smiling, happy faces and to get a feel for how excited these kids are to be coming back to school. I think we forget that feeling as we get older, so it’s nice to go back in time and feel that thrill all over again.”
In addition, students were welcomed by chalked artwork on sidewalks and entryways that were created by cheerleaders from Forney High School, North Forney High School, Brown Middle School and Warren Middle School. The artwork included positive sayings and words of encouragement for the students to welcome them back to school.
One new addition to the District this year is the opening of the District’s new early childhood center which is located at the newly named Forney Learning Academy (FLA). During the summer the District remodeled the Forney Academic Center converting gyms, commons space and office space into classrooms and activity centers for four-year-old students in the District’s pre-kindergarten (Pre-K), Head Start and Preschool Program For Children with Disabilities (PPCD) programs.
Forney ISD reported that more than 10,580 students attended school in Forney ISD on the first day of school this year.
