Grace Community School Homecoming Event

2023 Homecoming Information

As Grace Community School celebrates its 50th Anniversary, you won’t want to miss this year’s annual Homecoming.  The Parent Teacher Fellowship is thrilled to announce Homecoming 2023: Glitter and Gold. This special event will be filled with fun and fellowship for former students, alumni parents and school families with children of all ages.  Please plan to join us on Friday, October 6th, for an evening of fun, fellowship, and, of course, great football!

Events:

2:30 p.m – 5:00 p.m: Tailgate Set-Up

5:30 pm: Parking Lot Closes to vehicle traffic 

6:20 pm: Students Line Up for the Parade (near the High School Auditorium entrance)

6:30 pm: Homecoming Parade

7:00 pm: Game Kick-off

What to expect: 

The tailgate lot (behind GCS High School) will open for set up at 2:30 p.m. The parking lot will close at 5:30 p.m. to all car traffic for families to mingle from tailgate to tailgate.  All families are encouraged to take part in grade-level and campus-sponsored tailgates.  Whether you are new to Early Education, have a Senior in High School, a former student or an Alumni parent, there will be a place to fellowship and connect with other school families!  While you do not need to bring anything to participate, we have food sign-up opportunities for each grade level for those who wish to bring something!  In addition to grade-level sponsored tailgates, we will have individual tailgate spots available to purchase. You are welcome to bring your smokers, tents, tables, and decorations.  

Our Homecoming tailgate includes face painting, a student parade, cornhole, and prizes for best tailgate decorations and best food.

Purchasing Tailgate Spots: 

Cougar Backers are able to reserve a FREE tailgate parking spot with their annual Cougar Backer membership. Cougar Backers must reserve their parking spot by Sunday, September 17th, to be guaranteed a place. Individual Tailgate spots are available for purchase beginning September 18th. If you are willing to donate your Cougar Backer tailgate spot or purchase a tailgate spot for your student’s grade level or campus, please get in touch with Susan Kelly, PTF HOCO Tailgate Coordinator, at ptf@gracetyler.org. Tailgate spot donations are greatly appreciated! Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) will use proceeds from this sale to support our school staff and campus needs throughout the year.

Tailgate Sign-ups:

This is a Grace Community School all-school event!  Tailgating spots are divided by grade, and we encourage families to bring folding chairs to relax and socialize. Please check your email for grade-level sign-ups.

GCS Alumni Families:

We are excited to have a GCS Alumni tailgate for all former students and alumni parents this year!   Don’t miss this opportunity to see old friends, teachers, and coaches at Homecoming 2023!  Please click here to RSVP BY OCTOBER 1st so we can ensure an accurate food count for everyone.

Homecoming Parade:

Our parade, led by the GCS Drumline and Cougarettes, is open to all Jr. K – 4th grade students! Jr. K – 2nd graders have the opportunity to ride on a “float” (wagon pulled by parents), and our 3rd & 4th graders get to walk with Champ and be part of Champ’s Crew in the parade.  Our 5th and 6th graders are encouraged to be the finale of our parade participants.  Participants are asked to gather near the High School Auditorium entrance at 6:20 p.m.  The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. around our High School parking lot.

Parade Wagons: 

Families of JrK – 2nd grades are encouraged to bring decorated wagons for their little ones to ride in (pulled by their moms and dads in the parade). While a wagon is not required, it is highly encouraged. Students without a wagon are welcome to join our 3rd and 4th graders walking in Champ’s Crew (behind Champ). Parents will collect their children near the stadium gate entrance following the homecoming parade.

Event Attire:

Come dressed in your favorite GCS spirit gear!

Questions:

Please contact Sarah Burkett, Development Manager of Annual Programs and Alumni, at Sarah.Burkett@gracetyler.org or 903.566.5678, ext. 2130