PNE students welcomed with back to school bash
Published 7:30 pm Friday, August 17, 2018
- Families lined up for some grub by various vendors including Las Rosas during Port Neches Elementary’s back to school bash on Wednesday. Mary Meaux/The News
PORT NECHES — The new school year is right around the corner and Port Neches Elementary Principal Kimberly Carter wanted to do something memorable to welcome students and families.
So she had a talk with teachers and the back to school bash was born.
McKenna Morton, 6, holds Chomper, the alligator, during Port Neches Elementary’s back to school bash on Wednesday.
Mary Meaux/The News
Earlier this week the campus was opened up, there were games and a Bounce House, music, food vendors, alligators and first responders to name a few.
“We want to welcome the community and parents,” Carter said, “as we grow our future leaders.”
A child climbs into a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT vehicle during Port Neches Elementary’s back to school bash on Wednesday.
Mary Meaux/The News
The large parking lot at the campus held a festive-air as families came and went. Gretchen VanDerdoes was there with twins Kamryn and Kane who are entering the fifth grade. Kane is most excited to be in Ms. LeTulle’s class, he said.
McKenna Morton, 6, who was there with her siblings and dad Sam Morton, showed her bravery by holding a small alligator. The gator was courtesy of a nuisance alligator catcher and flanked by them were members of Texas Parks and Wildlife.
G-Crew member Ross Lefort, left, Indianette Bailey Georgie, Indian Spirit Dakota Sanchez, Indianette Emily Jordan and Indianette Olivia Owens pose for a photo during Port Neches Elementary’s back to school bash on Wednesday.
Mary Meaux/The News
Port Neches firefighters and their fire truck were also there so kids and parents could get a look at the big red engine then move on and climb inside a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT vehicle.
Inside the school Indianettes Bailey Georgie, Emily Jordan and Olivia Owens along with G-Crew member Ross Lefort and Indian Spirit Dakota Sanchez greeted the younger students and posed for photos.
“It’s a huge honor and the kids love it,” Sachez said. “They see us as role models and tell you they want to be like you when they grow up. I want to be an example to them.”
The 2018-2019 school year for Port Neches-Groves Independent School District students begins Tuesday.
