In the days leading up to the first week of school, Crown Point Community School Corporation (CPCSC) welcomed students with a series of orientation programs designed to ease transitions, build confidence, and introduce families to the wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities available across the district.

Each August, Crown Point High School, Colonel Wheeler Middle School, and Taft Middle School host Bulldog Rush, a program designed for incoming sixth graders, freshmen, and new middle and high school students. During Bulldog Rush, students walk through their schedules, locate classrooms, practice locker combinations, and meet peers and staff before the first day of school.

“Bulldog Rush helps students start the year with a sense of assurance,” said Crown Point High School principal Russ Marcinek. “High school can be a big leap, but we’ve found that when students can physically walk their schedule and talk with staff before day one, they enter the year more relaxed and ready to learn. It also gives us the chance to spotlight the more than 70 clubs, sports, and extracurriculars they might not otherwise know about.”

At the same time, each elementary school hosts a Kindergarten Kickoff, a two-day event tailored to the needs of CPCSC’s youngest students and their families. Incoming kindergarteners have the opportunity to visit classrooms, meet teachers and support staff, learn basic procedures, and practice routines in a low-pressure environment.

“For many of our students, this can be their very first experience in a school setting,” said MacArthur Elementary principal Marian Buchko. “Kindergarten Kickoff helps remove a lot of uncertainty for both children and parents. We show students how to walk through the lunch line, where to put their belongings, and what it feels like to be part of a classroom community. By the time school officially starts, they already feel like they belong here.” 

For more information about Crown Point Community Schools and upcoming events, visit www.cps.k12.in.us.

Videos:

• Bulldog Rush at Taft Middle School
• Bulldog Rush at Crown Point High School