21st Century Homecoming Events

21st Century Charter School at Gary celebrated Homecoming throughout the last week of January. The official Homecoming basketball game took place on Thursday, but the entire week was filled with activities and excitement.

21st Century Charter School students had the very special opportunity to dress up for Spirit Week. Monday was "Nerdy Neon Day," filled with suspenders, big glasses, and a rainbow of bright colors. Tuesday was "Twin Day." Even Principal Angela D. West got in on the action, dressing to match three middle and high school students.

On Wednesday, 21st Century Charter School took a break from the Homecoming action to focus on academics. Students and their parents scheduled and attended a conference with their teachers. These were 21st Century Charter School's second Student-Led Conferences, and again they were a huge success. Sitting with parents and teachers, students from kindergarten through the twelfth grade led the conversation about their academics, reflecting on both their progress and goals. Students considered how their efforts had let to their report card grades, and they discussed their plans to prepare for ISTEP+, the end of the school year, and even college.

After the conferences, the students attended the third 21st Century Charter School book giveaway in the gym. Every 21st Century student had the opportunity to pick one free book that is now theirs to keep. The school's three book giveaways have been funded by the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) grant 21st Century received for the 2010-2011 school year.

On Thursday, students returned to school for RYS (Represent Your School) day. The entire K-12 building was filled with red and black, as excitement rose leading up to the Homecoming game. At 5:30 pm that evening, the Varsity girls' basketball team started the Homecoming event against University of Illinois – Chicago (UIC). Although the Lady Cougars fell to UIC 10 to 39, the three senior basketball players were honored for their participation and dedication to learning the sport. The Varsity boys' basketball game followed, with the Cougars taking a Homecoming victory over UIC, 62 to 43.

Spirit Week ended wound down on Friday with "Dress Down Day." Yet while their clothing may have been relaxed, many students in grades 6 through 12 were starting to get excited for the night's Homecoming Dance and announcement of the Homecoming Court. Middle and high school students danced the night away in the 21st Century Charter School gym, along with their Homecoming Court. Freshmen Andre D. and Tyronda B. were voted Duke and Duchess of the freshman class and Myrin K. and Demonique W. were Duke and Duchess of the sophomore class. Prince Jamal M. and Princess T'Keyah S. represented the juniors, and last but not least were seniors Mike F., voted Homecoming King, and Miya J., Homecoming Queen.


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