The start of a new school year in Burrell is always full of excitement—and this year, Project Discover is taking that excitement to the next level. With a fresh new look and a district-wide tailgating theme, this long-standing tradition is being reimagined to better connect students, families, and teachers.
“Project Discover is about creating meaningful engagement with our families,” said Krista Pisano, Middle School Assistant Principal. “We want everyone to feel comfortable, excited, and prepared for the year ahead. By making the event more interactive and family-friendly, we hope to bring even more people in and make the experience truly memorable.”
A Tailgating-Themed Celebration for All Ages
This year’s Project Discover will be a lively, community-focused celebration. Each school will bring the tailgating theme to life with food trucks, yard games, the Burrell Buccaneer, and spirited activities for all ages. Local organizations will also be part of the fun, including Flyers Football, Tri-City Soccer, and the Lower Burrell Fire Department. Families will see school sports, arts, and club showcases throughout the event, making it an experience for the entire community to enjoy.
The goal is to make Project Discover appealing to every family, not just those experiencing key transitions like kindergarten, sixth grade, or ninth grade. By creating a fun and interactive environment, the district hopes more families will attend and discover the exciting opportunities that await their children at every grade level.
Engaging Families & Building Community Connections
In past years, some families were unsure of the event’s purpose or missed it entirely. This year, the district is focused on clearer communication and outreach. Families will receive emails and School Messenger updates, and social media will be used to share reminders and highlight event details.
“We really want to reach every family,” Pisano said. “When they attend, they’ll meet their teachers, see the spaces where their children will learn, and walk away feeling confident and informed about the year ahead.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Project Discover is more than just a meet-and-greet—it’s a chance for teachers to share their vision for the year and highlight the creative, “out of the box” learning that happens in Burrell classrooms. This year’s event will feature information tables and resource displays for every grade level, along with games and hands-on activities for kids. Teachers will have the chance to interact with families in a relaxed, welcoming environment, building connections that set a positive tone for the year.
Highlights from Each School
At the elementary school, students and families can look forward to age-appropriate activities and resources designed to get younger learners excited about the school year. These experiences are meant to make the building feel welcoming, especially for incoming students and their families.
The middle school is introducing a special 5:30 p.m. session just for fifth and sixth graders. This early start allows new students and families to ask questions and get comfortable before the crowd arrives. Families will also learn about the many student clubs and activities available, including Crochet Club, STEAM Team, Bookaneers, Fishing Club, Art Club, and eSports. Middle school students will also hear about new Studio courses for seventh and eighth grade, which give students more voice and choice in their learning. Studios are connected to Pennsylvania Career Pathways and will include community career partners. Topics range from Personal Finance and Brand Builders to Sculpture & Ceramics, Future CEO, and Nothing but Net, among others.
At the high school, students will have opportunities to explore college and career readiness programs, including technical education, Advanced Placement courses, and student-led activities. The event will also highlight the many ways students can get involved in school sports and arts programs, giving families a full picture of the opportunities available throughout the building.
Setting the Tone for a Great School Year
At its heart, Project Discover is about community and connection. The goal is for families to leave feeling energized, informed, and ready for a successful school year.
“Project Discover is more than an open house,” Pisano shared. “It’s a celebration of learning, creativity, and community pride. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and kick off the year together.”
