Avon School District 4-1

From the Desk of the Superintendent (with the help of AI!)
Homecoming week and the homecoming parade hold a special place in the life of a small school and community. Unlike larger districts where events may get lost in the shuffle, a small school’s homecoming celebration becomes a central gathering point that unites generations, strengthens school pride, and affirms the essential partnership between school and community.
For students, homecoming week is about more than just a game. The daily activities, spirit days, and traditions encourage participation from everyone, whether it’s dressing up in themed outfits, decorating hallways, or cheering at the pep rally. These events cultivate excitement and pride, helping students feel like they are part of something larger than themselves. School spirit grows as students support not only their teams, but also their classmates, clubs, and peers who all contribute to the week’s festivities. That sense of belonging can be especially powerful in a small school, where everyone knows each other and every contribution matters.
The homecoming parade adds another layer of importance by extending the celebration beyond the school walls. It is a visible invitation for the entire town to come together. Local businesses decorate windows, alumni return to watch or participate, and families line the streets to cheer on floats, bands, and teams. Younger children, who dream of one day becoming high school students, get to see role models marching proudly down the street. Meanwhile, older residents are reminded of their own school days, reinforcing a sense of tradition and continuity. The parade is not just a school event—it is a community festival that brings together people of all ages and walks of life.
This partnership between school and community is vital. Schools rely on their communities for support, whether through attendance at events, volunteering, or financial contributions. In turn, communities rely on schools to educate, inspire, and prepare the next generation. Homecoming week highlights that relationship in a joyful, celebratory way. It shows that school is more than just a place for academics; it is a cornerstone of community life. The parade, the game, and the festivities symbolize shared pride and investment in the future.
In many ways, homecoming serves as a reminder of what makes small schools so special. The close-knit nature of the environment means that traditions are deeply felt and widely embraced. Parents, grandparents, alumni, and neighbors all find themselves part of the celebration, reinforcing the idea that success in the classroom, on the field, and in life is supported by an entire community.
Ultimately, homecoming week and its parade are more than a series of events—they are traditions that strengthen bonds, celebrate heritage, and ignite pride. They tie the school and the community together in a way that is both symbolic and tangible. For small schools, these moments are not just about honoring the past but also about inspiring the future, reminding everyone that they are part of a team, a family, and a community that stands together.
Therefore, I am inviting every business, church, and other organization to please enter a float in the Homecoming Parade on Friday October 3rd. The theme for the parade is movies. Everyone who enters a float will receive a window decal stick that says, “Proud supporter of Avon Pirates” If you have not done a float before or it has been a while, now is the time! Your float does not need to be spectacular; it’s the participation in this event that matters the most. Homecoming is just one more event that has allowed Avon to survive without consolidating. Finally, South Dakota Public TV will be covering the parade as well as the history of our famous Pirate Ship! I’m counting on you Pirate Nation, let’s put on a great parade on October 3rd! (Please call the school at 286-3291 for information on entering your float) and as always, HOOKS UP!