Future West High students gather for community-building event
Community members came out on August 21, on Sioux City’s west side, to make the start of school a little easier.
West High School has hosted community cookouts, throughout the summer, at its feeder schools.
On August 21, they hosted the final event at Cook Park.
The goal of the event was to introduce the families of students who will eventually attend West High, together.
“Well the people that I’m meeting here, they’re going to the same school as me. So whenever it’s the first day I won’t be shy or anything. I can say ‘Hi’ to my new friends.” said Shianne Marsh, West High Freshman.
The community donated ice cream, hot dogs, games and some grilling help from the 185th Air Refueling Wing to make this possible.
Organizers say it’s important for these families to know one another.
“So we wanted to make it a west side thing. We want all west side families to feel comfortable because ultimately they’ll all end up at West High. And so we want them to be comfortable with coming to the high school and having familiar faces.” said April Tidwell, West High Head Principal.
Thanks to the Sioux City Public Schools Foundation, the event also gave students one last chance to pick up last-minute school supplies before classes began on August 23.