With students returning to in-person school, Novato High School is attempting to give students a Homecoming, just not in the traditional way.

In past years, Homecoming has been in October and the week typically is filled with fun events for students and staff to enjoy. There are spirit days, Snapchat filters, a float parade in downtown Novato Friday night, breakfast at Marvin’s before school for the nominees, a rally in the gym, a Homecoming football game on Hornet turf, and a Saturday night dance.

However, this year looks different. Without a parade, rally, game or a dance, Stephanie Searle, leadership teacher at NHS, along with students in leadership, have worked hard to give students something to look forward to. Due to the pandemic, Homecoming was not possible in the Fall, but now that students are back on campus, a plan has been set. 

“Right now, our plan includes having a Homecoming spirit week along with a video rally. We have a Homecoming court and their videos will be included in the rally,” said Ava Scafani, a senior on the homecoming court. “The royalty crowning will be taking place on the [football] field on Friday, March 12 [from 3-4 p.m.] and will be available to watch through Facebook and Instagram livestream.” 

There have also been some fun activities planned for students. “On Monday, March 8th there [will be] a school wide Kahoot game at 12:30pm. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners receive FREE NHS SWAG!! We are also doing an Instagram bingo thing for fun,” Searle explained. 

This week is a spirit week. Students are encouraged to dress up and DM pictures to their class Instagram account or email them to [email protected] to receive class points. 

“The class that DMs/emails the most spirit day pics by Thursday, March 11th at 11:59 p.m. wins 10 spirit points. The winner will be announced Friday, March 12th at 3 p.m. at the Royalty Crowning,” mentioned Searle. 

Covid-19 has put a pause on normal life and forced us all to make adjustments to our lives, yet this is a step in the right direction and provides students with some much-needed hope that things could soon be returning to normal.