Hundreds of families took advantage of an early opportunity to register their students for the upcoming school year.
More than 250 parents stopped by Tyler Independent School District's Career and Technology Center for its new student enrollment fair on Thursday.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Rawly Sanchez said the turnout was far larger than the district's first enrollment fair for last school year, which saw about 150 parents.
"This is an opportunity to have a one-stop shop for parents to come in and supply us with all their information," Sanchez said. "If they're needing transportation, immunizations or information, we have it all on hand."
Parents of students already in the district also were able to update information or register in person instead of online.
The district will host another enrollment fair from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, at the Career and Technology Center, 3013 Earl Campbell Parkway.
Sanchez also said the district is seeing a lot of parents coming back to Tyler ISD from private schools and charters.
"Kids who are in our schools might have a sibling at a private school and now they're both coming back," he said. "Some of the private school families are coming back in anticipation of what's happening in Tyler."
Some of those changes include the addition of college level courses, a growing career and technology curriculum and the recent passage of a bond that will see both high schools completely renovated.
Sanchez said that if the turnout of the fair is any indication, the district would see enrollment grow past the 18,300 students enrolled in 2016-2017.
Many students who enrolled during the fair also received a free backpack with school supplies.
Families with kids who attended Tyler ISD campuses last year are encouraged to register online at tylerisd.org
Other important dates
School Is Cool
The annual event showcases resources for parents and also helps low-income families with backpacks and school supplies.
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3 at Harvey Hall, 2000 W. Front St.
Tyler ISD Meet the Teacher night:
High Schools –Each campus at 4:30 p.m. on Monday Aug. 21
Middle Schools -- Each campus at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday Aug. 22
Elementary Schools -- Each campus at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday Aug. 24
First day of school
Tyler ISD – Monday, Aug. 28
Arp – Thursday, Aug. 17
Bishop T.K. Gorman – Wednesday, Aug. 16
Bullard – Wednesday, Aug. 23
Chapel Hill – Monday, Aug. 28
Cumberland Academy – Wednesday, Aug. 23
Good Shepherd School – Tuesday, Aug. 29
Lindale – Wednesday, Aug. 23
Mineola – Thursday, Aug. 17
Whitehouse – Wednesday, Aug. 16
Winona – Wednesday, Aug. 28