On Friday, August 21, Tejeda Middle School hosted back to school camps for all new and returning students. Seventh- and eighth-graders howled at the moon while sixth-graders attended their Pup Camp.

A Tejeda tradition, Howl at the Moon is a night for all seventh- and eighth-grade students to come to the school and gear-up for the up coming school year. The students reunited with friends, learned class schedules, met their teachers, checked out textbooks and more.

Just before 9 p.m., all students and faculty walked to the football field for "Howl Time." The scoreboard counted down and when the clock hit 9 p.m., everyone let out a great big Tejeda Timberwolf howl. This year's Howl at the Moon was unique because "Lady Bird" Johnson High School worked with Tejeda to provide the entertainment for the evening. The "Lady Bird" band and spirit organizations performed for as well.

"This event is a positive experience for the students to learn the Tejeda Way," said Julie Shore, assistant principal. "Back to school camps are a tremendous help for the students. It is an opportunity for them to learn about the upcoming school year and get excited for the first day of school."

Also on Friday, incoming sixth-graders received their opportunity to learn the Tejeda way through the school's Pup Camp. Each year Tejeda hosts Pup Camp to introduce the sixth-graders to life as a middle school student. Pup Camp consist of learning class schedules, touring the campus, learning cafeteria rules, meeting teachers, checking out textbooks and more.

"These camps really help the kids get familiar with the campus, teachers, lockers and much more," said Assistant Principal Todd Bloomer.

The camps aren't just for students; teachers benefit from the camps as well.

"I am really excited for the new school year," said Amy Sirizzoti, GT teacher. "I could not wait to see my kids."