SEBRING — Sebring’s McKinley Jr./Sr. High School students won’t have a typical first day of school on Thursday. Roll calls, seating charts, and locker assignments will be replaced with conversation bingo, snacks and a movie, and break-out group activities and games.

The concept of the”Back to School” experience flips the script on the traditional “first day of school.” McKinley Principal Brian Clark explained, “We want to truly welcome students back to school. In doing so, our deeply invested staff created an experience for them to ease back into the school routine with enrichment activities that will open the lines of communication with their peers and with our teachers. Our priority is to engage our students from day one of the school year in a way that is meaningful to them and starts our year off on a positive note.”

This year’s theme will be “Own Your Glitch-Make it Gold;” a nod to the movie “Wreck It Ralph” which students will watch on day one of the “Back to School” experience. The movie’s themes of friendship, overcoming adversity, being a positive influence, self reflection, and teamwork will anchor the two-day event.

Students won’t be in a traditional classroom setting the first day of school and will have abbreviated classes the second day of school. This will allow for enrichment activities, reflection discussions, and academic and team building games such as wheelbarrow and sack races, STEM building challenges and academic races.

The two-day experience will conclude on Friday with a visit from The Sunshine Bus. Students will tour the bus to select comfort items, personal hygiene supplies, and snacks. The day will also feature an “Escape Room” activity and focused presentations on health and wellness.