Sebring Local welcomes students back with games, lessons

Students at Sebring Local Schools’ two buildings enjoyed a relaxed first day of school on Thursday, playing games and having high-energy fun while heading back to the classroom.

The younger students at B.L. Miller Elementary School welcomed back the district’s sixth-graders to the building for the first time in several years.

At Sebring McKinley Jr./Sr. High School, students enjoyed the first of a two-day event designed to set the tone for the new school year.

“Opening day is very unique here at Sebring McKinley,” said Brian Clark, McKinley’s principal. “Over the summer, our staff has put in tremendous amounts of time, energy and creativity, to provide a unique experience for every student. Our focus is to give them an opportunity right out of the gates to connect with one another and our staff in a way that’s not always possible in a traditional classroom setting.”

More: Sebring Local students return to classroom Thursday

This year’s theme is centered around the movie “Dolphin Tale,” with the tagline, “Be the Extraordinary!” On Thursday, students and staff watched the movie and then broke into small discussion groups.

“Our students will invest in the themes of the movie by choosing a design to create their own unique painting, centered around facing adversity, overcoming life’s challenges, and being extraordinary in critical moments,” says Principal Clark.

Plans for Friday at McKinley includedstudents in a mock schedule presentation followed by positive behavior interventions and supports stations.

B.L. Miller students and staff participated in a day packed with enrichment activities and games, focusing on setting expectations and establishing a welcoming environment. Staff members wore gray T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase “We Promise to be respectful, responsible, safe and positive.”

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Sebring Local welcomes students back with games, lessons