Back to School with Community Spirit: Warren County Schools Host Open House, Community Fun Day

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, Warren County Public Schools is welcoming students, families, and the entire community to join in a series of events aimed at building connections and preparing for a successful year ahead.

Open house events begin this week across all grade levels, with Warren County High School hosting its key open house activities on Thursday, August 7. The school will open its doors from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for fee payments and schedule pickups, followed by the main open house from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., where students and families can meet teachers and explore classrooms.

“After a quiet summer, we’re excited to have energy in the building again,” said Principal Ken Knesh of Warren County High School. “Open house gives students, especially freshmen, a chance to get their bearings before that first day.”

A special freshman orientation will begin around 6:30 p.m., focusing on the shift from middle school to high school and helping ninth graders understand key topics like GPA, class expectations, and eligibility for extracurriculars. Principal Knesh emphasized the importance of this transition and encouraged parents to attend.

“Your GPA starts now,” he said. “And being ready—knowing where your classes are, what supplies you need—makes a big difference on day one.”

For elementary school families, open house hours are slightly different, running from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., allowing families with children in multiple schools to attend both.

Community Fun Day at Wildcat Stadium

The excitement continues on Saturday, August 9, with the return of the Warren County Community Fun Day, happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium, located at Warren County High School. This event brings together students, families, staff, and local organizations for a day of free activities, school resources, and good old-fashioned fun.

“This event is really our way of saying, ‘Let’s kick off the school year together,’” said Knesh. “It’s open to everyone, whether you have kids in school or not.”

The event, which has grown each year, will feature over 40 vendors, four food trucks, and free school resources, including back-to-school haircuts from Blake & Company and health screenings provided by the school nurse team.

To make the event more accessible, organizers moved it to Wildcat Stadium this year. “Last year, we got feedback that the front field was tough for wheelchairs and strollers,” Knesh said. “This year, we’re on the stadium track—it’s flat, has better parking, and restrooms are right there.”

Activities for All Ages

Children can bounce out their back-to-school jitters on inflatables and obstacle courses, or dive into fun with the return of the Human Hungry Hungry Hippos game. Families can also expect interactive tables from every school, staffed by principals or administrators ready to answer questions and provide information.

Other highlights include a Plinko game at the high school table and recruiting opportunities for substitute teachers and custodial staff. PowerSchool registration support will also be available on-site to help parents get connected to the Parent Portal, which allows them to track grades and attendance.

“If you’ve never used PowerSchool, come see us. We’ll get you logged in on the spot,” Knesh said. “That way, you’re ready from day one.”

Knesh also noted that the school’s no-cell-phone policy—first introduced last year—has been a surprisingly positive change. “It’s louder now in the cafeteria, but it’s because kids are actually talking to each other again,” he said. “We saw a real boost in student interaction.”

He added that the shift wasn’t as difficult as many feared, in part due to limited cell signal in the school building and a supportive approach by staff. “We don’t make it about punishment. If a student needs to make an important call, we’ll help them do it in the office,” he explained.

A Strong Team and a Warm Welcome

Behind the scenes, Knesh credits much of the school’s welcoming culture to his front office staff and administration team. Longtime staffer Ms. Nora, known for her cheerful presence, is moving into a new role as a building-based substitute teacher this year—a change that keeps her engaged with students throughout the day. Meanwhile, Ms. Clopine, last year’s substitute, has stepped into the front office role.

“They really set the tone when people walk in,” Knesh said. “It’s all about creating a space where kids and families feel seen and supported.”

As the school year kicks off on Tuesday, August 12, Knesh says he’ll be right at the front doors again, greeting students by name—or at least trying to.

“My goal is always to learn the names of all the freshmen by Labor Day,” he said. “Even if I have to call a few of them ‘buddy’ for the first week or two.”

And for those wondering if Community Fun Day is just for families in the public school system, the answer is a resounding no.

“If you’re homeschooled, in private school, or even if you’re just part of the community—we’d love to see you there,” said Knesh. “It’s a community event for everyone.”