Nerves and excitement build as Homecoming week quickly approaches. We all know what it feels like to be a freshman, unsure of what is going on, especially when it comes to upholding the traditions the week brings. This list encompasses tips for surviving–and thriving–during a Parkway West Homecoming week.

Sunday, Sept. 8: Floor decor

Bust out your creativity and come lend a hand, because Homecoming week starts early. The school doors will be unlocked and the walls will be awaiting a transformation as all grade levels join together to decorate their designated spaces Sunday Sept. 8 from 3-7:00 p.m. If creativity isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Come join the festivities as there is always something that needs to get done. The name of the game this week is ‘all hands on deck.’ The only way to be left out is to not participate, so come out and see how you can help. 

Monday, Sept. 9-Thursday, Sept. 12: Spirit days 

GO. ALL. OUT. Do your research. Plan out your outfits. This week is only fun if you can walk down the hall and pass a minion and a blow-up dinosaur on your way to third-hour chemistry. This is your only chance to feel like you’re a student at East High, so don’t waste it.

The reason many high schoolers don’t participate is out of fear that others will not dress up as extravagantly as them. Trust me when I warn you: you will feel more awkward by not participating than by joining in the fun. You don’t even have to go out to buy anything. Instead, repurpose the old clothes buried deep in your dresser to create a makeshift outfit.

Monday, Sept. 9-Thursday, Sept. 12: Float Decoration

If my years as a high schooler have taught me anything, it’s that having a decorated class float makes the Homecoming parade considerably more entertaining. Each grade, sport and club can have a float, and it’s up to the participants to decorate their float however they please. If you are in a float, bring a huge bag of Halloween candy to throw at the families lined up along the Sept. 13 Homecoming parade route through the Brookhill subdivision. In one word: participate. Do you sense a common theme here?

1:30-2:25 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13: Pep Rally

When asked, most students say that the pep rally is one of the highlights of Homecoming week. The Longhorn Line, cheer teams, Step Team and Color Guard and every fall sport runs into the gym for acknowledgement. I have two key points for you to remember throughout this event. First, put your phone away. The only people who care to watch your four minute Snapchat story of the pep rally are probably sitting right next to you. Seriously, this has to be said.

Secondly, following the theme of this article, I encourage you to go absolutely nuts. When you want to cheer, cheer. When you don’t want to cheer, cheer. Kill two birds with one stone as you let loose your pent up emotions while adding to the buzz of the pep rally. The feeling of a room on FIRE with excitement is what sets apart pep rally day from any other day in high school.

7:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13: The Game

From the pep rally to the parade, the spirit has culminated in this night: the Homecoming football game. All the decorating, dressing up and cheering are finally put to the test. How hype is our student section? It’s truly up to you. The energy on the sidelines can often be the deciding factor between a win and a loss, so go crazy!

7:30-10:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14: The Dance

At long last, what we’ve all been waiting for: the Homecoming dance. The student body gets gussied up to go to dinner at Noodles & Company and dance for an hour and a half in a musty gym.

All jokes aside, this night–like every other day during Homecoming week–is what you make it. Get off the bleachers and dance. Stay for coronation, and be there for your grade level’s maids. There are so many ways to spend this night, but spend it in a way you won’t regret. At the end of your high school career, the moments you remember are the ones where you took a risk–and it paid off.

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Maddie Brueggenjohann

Neon Day is Monday, Sept. 9.