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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Ottumwa High School is trying something a little different this year to kick off the new school year.

Instead of holding a normal student and parent orientation, officials with the school have organized a block party.

KTVO spoke with Ottumwa High School Principal Mark Hanson about the event; he said that it will be a great atmosphere and very inviting.

“The Bulldog Block Party is the first ever party like this. It is taking place of our traditional back to school night, and this way we will be having families here for dinner and they will be able to see the displays from all the clubs and organizations we have available at Ottumwa High School. After that, they will have to come in and listen to me for a few minutes in the auditorium, but if they come in and listen to me, they get raffle tickets, and they could walk out with a flat screen television,” Hanson said.

Students and parents will also be able to meet their teachers at the block party. The event starts at 5. All Ottumwa High School students and their parents are encouraged to attend.