Dowagiac Union football spectators had the chance to meet district administrators Thursday evening during its first meet-and-greet opportunity.

Due to new faces and new roles throughout the district, Supt. Mark Daniel said the meet and greet presented an opportunity for parents and students to become familiar with administrators. More than a dozen administrators from the district were on hand to chat with visitors and hand out free popcorn. The event also coincided with the Chieftains varsity football game and Senior Night, which honored senior players on the field before the game.

“It’s a big night for us just before school starts,” Daniel said. “We’re looking forward to the year and our football season.”

According to Daniel, teachers have been completing professional development days and curriculum development meetings throughout the week to prepare for the new year.

“We’re focusing on the theme of one student at a time,” Daniel said.

Deputy Supt. Dawn Conner said the meet-and-greet was an important opportunity for parents and administrators.

“It’s building relationships,” Conner said. “We have a lot of new faces, and it shows the community our commitment to the parents and students.”

Conner also said she hoped the meet-and-greet allowed for more informal opportunities for the schools and community to come together.

“We want them to know we value them and their relationships with us,” Conner said. “Having not just new principals, but board members here, too, helps open up that door of communication for when they need us and even when they don’t. This is their school.”

The first day of classes is Tuesday.