Are you ready for a haunted Homecoming? For the first time in many years, the 2025 homecoming events will fall in October, making this the perfect opportunity to have a spooky theme.
The Haunted Mansion homecoming week starts on the 27th of September and runs to the 4th of October.
Homecoming is often a great way to build school spirit and a sense of community. The events, such as spirit week dress-up days, pep rallies, and the parade, encourage students from different groups and grades to work together and have fun. This can help create stronger bonds and a more welcoming school environment. It also offers a fun break from schoolwork, which can help students feel less stressed. It’s a chance to make lasting memories with friends and is often a major highlight of the school year, especially for seniors.
The history of homecoming is interesting, and its start is debated, but it definitely began at American universities in the early 1900s. The main goal was to invite former students, or alumni, to “come home” and reconnect with their old school.
While many schools claim to have started the tradition, the most common story credits the University of Missouri in 1911. Their athletic director, Chester Brewer, wanted more people to show up for the annual football game against their rival, the University of Kansas. To get alumni to come back to campus, he organized a parade, a pep rally, and a bonfire to go along with the big game. The event was a huge success, attracting thousands of returning alumni and setting the stage for all future homecomings.
Still, other schools like Baylor University and the University of Illinois also have strong claims, saying they had similar events as early as 1909 and 1910. Regardless of who was first, the tradition quickly spread to colleges everywhere. By the 1930s, it had made its way to high schools. When it moved to high schools, new parts were added, like the homecoming court, which started as a way to choose a king and queen to represent the student body. So, homecoming’s roots are in creating school spirit, bringing alumni and students together, and building a sense of community around a big event, usually a football game.
Let’s run through some of the important dates you need to know:
Powderpuff Rules Meeting: Wed. Sept. 24 during Seminar
Hallway Decorating: Sat. Sept. 27- 9:00-2:00
Powderpuff Practice: Wed. Oct. 1- 6th- 2:20-3:30
Powderpuff & Bonfire: Oct. 1, 6:30 pm
Hoco Dance: Oct 4th 7-10 pm
Hoco Game: Oct 3rd 7:00 pm
Keep an eye out for powderpuff sign-ups the week of September 8-12 if you want to participate on Oct. 1st! Remember, Powderpuff participants must be sports-eligible to participate.
Hallway Decorating will take place on September 27th from 9 am-2 pm. Each class will have its own hallway to decorate. Seniors have the hallway in front of the library, Juniors have the math hallway, Sophomores have the social studies hallway by the weight room entrance, and Freshmen have the Language Arts hallway. Everyone is welcome to show up on the day to lend a hand! Not to mention that Hallway Decorating counts as Community Service!
Also, Pirates, get ready to start a brand-new tradition! On October 1st, we welcome the Class of 2038 into our Pirate Community! Before the Powderpuff game, our Englewood Kindergarteners will join us on the field. They’ll line up in the middle, and we’ll meet them halfway to exchange our Pirate spirit! All students who come out will receive a free Englewood Pirate rubber bracelet! Plus, the class with the highest attendance will win a special treat in Thursday’s Seminar and extra class points for homecoming!
Let’s talk about dance eligibility. To attend Homecoming or any school dance this year, your attendance rate must be 75% or higher for the current semester. If your attendance is 95% or better, you’ll get into the dance for free.
