KILLEEN, Texas — The Killeen Independent School District (KISD) is gearing up for the upcoming school year with a special initiative aimed at fostering a positive environment for students on their first day. The district is calling on volunteers to participate in its "Men in Black Say Welcome Back" initiative, set to launch on August 14th.
Angenet Wilkerson, KISD's Director of District and Community Relations, is leading the charge. "We want to start the relationship and lay the foundation for a great school year," Wilkerson said. The initiative is designed to increase the presence of positive male role models across all KISD campuses on the first day of school.
The goal is ambitious: KISD plans to have five male volunteers, donned in black shirts, at each of its 50 campuses. This requires approximately 250 men to sign up before the August 7th deadline. The district is particularly targeting fathers, uncles, brothers, and grandfathers, but emphasizes that women who wish to volunteer are also welcome.
Wilkerson explained the purpose behind the event. "We want to create a welcoming environment and show students that there are positive male figures in their community," she said. The Men in Black volunteers will help welcome students with high-energy interactions, including positive words, fist bumps, and encouraging gestures.
Andre Cox, one of the volunteers, shared his motivation for participating. "As a community, we have to be more involved in our kids' lives because if we don’t take care of them, nobody else will," he said. Cox is committed to making a difference through his involvement, believing that a strong community presence can significantly impact students' outlooks on their school year.
Justin Heartsfield, another volunteer, echoed this sentiment. Having participated in the initiative on a smaller scale last year, Heartsfield is now encouraging others to join. "We’re here to motivate you, support you, and answer any questions you may have," he said. Heartsfield’s enthusiasm highlights the personal and communal benefits of the initiative, underscoring the impact a few encouraging words or gestures can have on students.
The Men in Black initiative is more than just a welcoming event; it aims to set a positive tone for the school year and build lasting relationships between students and their community. By increasing male visibility in schools, KISD hopes to provide students with additional support and encouragement as they begin a new academic year.
As the August 7th deadline approaches, KISD is urging potential volunteers to step forward. "Please, if you have any availability, get involved in this event," Heartsfield urged. The district believes that a collective effort can make a significant difference in students' lives, creating a supportive and motivating environment right from the start.
In summary, Killeen ISD’s Men in Black initiative represents a proactive approach to fostering a positive school environment. By enlisting community members to volunteer on the first day of school, the district aims to enhance student experiences and reinforce the importance of community involvement in education. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up before the deadline to help make the event a success and contribute to a positive start for students across the district.
To sign up to be a volunteer, click here.