Rouse teachers started their first day of professional development at a different location this year – a bowling alley.

More than 200 teachers, staff and administrators piled on four buses Monday morning to head to Mel’s Lone Star Lanes, a bowling alley in Georgetown. For almost three hours, they took over Mel’s and attempted to throw strikes, or at least hit a few pins.

“Being able to start the school year with a competitive game of bowling allowed our to bond and coalesce like never before,” Social Studies teacher Carlos Martinez said. “It brought out the youth and laughter from everyone regardless of age or experience.”

The teachers played in two rotations, giving them the opportunity to play in different lanes with teachers from other subject areas and get to know new staff members.

“I loved the idea of bowling and mingling at the beginning of the year,” AP US History teacher Michael Hjort said. “I liked that we switched halfway through so we got to meet many more teachers.”

After returning to campus, two teachers were recognized for bowling the highest scores. Professional Communications teacher and assistant football coach Dustin Reed had the highest score, bowling a 212. Hjort had the second highest score, bowling a 208. Both bowled five strikes in a row and received a gift bag of goodies for their effort.

“I love sports, probably like Dustin and I just got on a roll with five strikes in a row, but just couldn’t close out the 10th  frame….ahhhhhhh! I see a Rouse bowling team forming soon and challenging other schools,” Hjort said.

For additional bowling photos, please see our photo gallery page.