Teachers from Willis Elementary School are ready to make a big splash with families on the first day of school.
A gathering was held on Monday for new and returning teachers to kick-off the 2022-23 school year.
Teams played a variety of water games to go along with their "Ride the Wave" theme.
There were pool noodle relays, a blindfold scavenger hunt and water balloon toss using a table cloth.
According to Principal Kathy Price, it was the biggest turnout for a teacher welcoming event during her four years at the school.
Dr. Katie Fradley is excited about her first year serving as the assistant principal at Willis.
Activities were arranged by fifth grade teacher, Suzanne Tomlin, and gifted teacher, Hanna Cuervo.
These colleagues share a special bond, which Mrs. Tomlin shared with the group through a megaphone.
"Hanna was once my student and this year, her son is in my class," said Tomlin, who has been a part of the Willis family since the school opened 17 years ago. "It's the first time I'm teaching the child of my former student."
You've got to love a surprise finale. The last task was to retrieve and wear a school t-shirt.
Not so fast. The t-shirts were frozen and first had to be thawed.
There was a lot of laughs, excitement and unity from this group of educators.
The green team pulled out a gnarly tie-breaking win before everyone celebrated with lunch.
Teachers will be diving back into the classroom on Tuesday to prepare for the return of students.
Have a great first day of school, Geckos! Aloha...