Although homecoming and spirit week are normally viewed as student events, teachers at South are buzzing with excitement for this year’s festivities. From Firefighter Freshman to Saddle Up Seniors, the anticipation for the teacher fashion shows and the dance are on the rise.
Throughout the years, the homecoming tradition has been an exciting time for students, however it might be becoming too much for teachers to handle. From bribery to persuasion, and loud chanting from impatient students, teacher Brent Revello has seen it all. Chaperoning dances in the past have been chaotic, so Revello has not since returned to helping out with keeping students inside the gym during the lockdown period.
“That one year when I was watching the gate, that was my last year because I had at one point 30 to 40 students all chanting ‘let us out’ and basically marching at the gate,” Revello said. “I have even had students try to bribe me.”
Some of the excitement that homecoming has to offer drives students to disregard their respect for teachers, but it is not all bad. The dance can seem very intense for teachers at times; even so, they are looking forward to other things, such as their outfits for spirit week. Student Association adviser Meg Peirce is especially ready for this year’s themes, dressing up accordingly each year .
“Sometimes the themes are more difficult, and I have to go shopping. I am lucky enough that I get a shirt because I am an advisor, but for other teachers it might be more difficult to try and dress on theme,” Pierce said. “I am excited for Jaws Juniors, because I have the most stuff for that one.”
From unity day to homecoming, South’s traditions truly bring the school together, minor setbacks come from it. Italian teacher, George Formicola, has dealt with delayed lesson planning from students missing seventh hour.
“The shortened class schedule on Friday makes it so I have to make a different lesson,” Formicola said. “It can be inconvenient, I do enjoy the pep assembly though.”
When it comes to homecoming week at South, the good overrules the bad. Although the excitement can be pushed in the wrong direction, the tradition remains important each year. Even teachers begin to feel nostalgic about their days in high school.
“I miss being able to participate in that stuff, but I do enjoy watching the students experience it too,” Revello said.
