Hocker Grove Middle School celebrates Their First Annual Fall Festival

On Wednesday, November 6, Hocker Grove Middle School celebrated their first annual Fall Festival, showcasing the diversity of the school, with over 500 people in attendance! Flags were hung in the cafeteria representing the different cultural identities of students.

Community partners, district MVPs, student club groups, and teachers sponsored yard games, relays, and fall themed activities in the Hocker Grove gymnasiums. Students could make ghost bubbles with dry ice and soap or “guesstimate” the number of goodies in several jars. Students from the Native Speakers Spanish class were able to celebrate their heritage with the community, sharing samples of favorite family recipes along with playing the pinata game and loteria. Face painting, colored hairspray, a photo booth, pumpkin painting, and leaf rubbing were popular with all ages--young and old. 

The Shawnee Fire Department brought a fire truck that anyone could touch and take a look inside. They provided information on fire safety. The Shawnee Police Department was on the scene teaming up with Grandparents Against Gun Violence. The police had a cruiser and photo props available. A representative from the Shawnee Mission Health Partnership Clinic was on hand to share with parents the medical services available for their students.

A variety of food--grilled hot dogs, popcorn, and hot cocoa were offered in the cafeteria. Families could huddle around fire pits set up under the stars in the outdoor courtyard and roast marshmallows for s’mores.