A Mustang State of Mind: Shenandoah Homecoming Week Guide

A Mustang State of Mind: Shenandoah Homecoming Week Guide

 

 

Homecoming week at Shenandoah Community School District starts Sunday, Sept. 20, under the theme “A Mustang State of Mind,” Communications Director Aaron Burdorf said on KCSI and KOAK.

The week lands in week five of school — later than some years — which Burdorf likes. After four weeks of routines and fall testing, he said the celebration “rejuvenates the spirit.” It also lines up with Shen Fest, which runs Thursday through Sunday in town.

 

 

Sunday, Sept. 20 — kickoff day

Almost everything Sunday is at or next to Mustang Field.

• 3:00 p.m. — Color run / fun run, Mustang Field. Burdorf started the run about 10 years ago when he arrived in the district. About 100 to 150 students and families walk a short course (about 15 minutes, not a 5K) and get hit with color.

• 3:00–5:30 p.m. — Community meal, G Park. Shenandoah Medical Center and the Optimist Club serve a meal across the street from the field, with popsicles after. Families can eat and still make the field events.

• 4:00 p.m. — Powderpuff football, Mustang Field. Girls play flag football on the game field.

• 5:00 p.m. — Community pep rally, Mustang Field. Fall sports teams are introduced. Items are auctioned, with proceeds going back into team accounts for meals, uniforms, and similar costs.

• After the pep rally — Powderpuff volleyball, high school gym. Boys take on the girls. Burdorf’s preview: “Seeing the boys trying to think that they can beat the girls at volleyball.”

Students also paint downtown windows during the week to put spirit on Main Street.

 

 

Dress-up days

Days follow the New York–inspired theme.

• Monday: Dress like a celebrity.

• Friday: Mustang Spirit Day.

Burdorf said the rest of the week’s dress-up days also track the theme. Watch ParentSquare and the district website for the midweek list.

Friday, Sept. 25 — parade and game

• 2:30 p.m. — Homecoming parade.

• 7:00 p.m. — Football vs. Missouri Valley, Mustang Field. Regular Friday-night schedule.

 

This Friday first: Treynor

Before Homecoming week even starts, the Mustangs host ranked Treynor at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Mustang Field. Rain has complicated field prep — mowing and painting between showers.

Alumni and Shen Fest

Burdorf began building a Shenandoah alumni database last spring so the district has a way to reach graduates. He planned to send Homecoming messages through that list and encourage people to come back.

Because Homecoming and Shen Fest fall on the same weekend, he said Friday night football plus Saturday in town is a natural draw. He mentioned an alumni gathering at Little Weight Lanes Friday afternoon after the parade and other alumni meet-ups around town. He is working with the chamber on details. The chamber calendar, he said, shows a lot of new or revived Shen Fest events.

 

Where to look

District site: www.shencsd.com. Family messages go out on ParentSquare. Burdorf said he would keep posting Homecoming and alumni notes as the chamber and booster groups lock in extras.