SPS students can get backpacks, shots, physicals and supplies at the event
Springfield parents will be able to cross a lot of items off their back-to-school “to do” list at a free event later this month.
Preparations are under way for Springfield Public Schools’ Back To School Bash.
The event – part carnival, resource fair and giveaway – is free to any district family. It is from 9:30 am to 3 pm Saturday, July 30, at the Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St, Louis St.
Superintendent Grenita Lathan said the goal is to distribute 5,000 backpacks filled with hygiene and other necessities.
The come-and-go event was designed to make the back-to-school preparation easier for parents. At the event, they can do the following, and more:
- Obtain back-to-school immunizations
- Complete required sports physicals for students involved in school activities.
- Pick up a bag of groceries.
- Apply for free or reduced price school lunches.
- Sign up for SHINE, before and after school care.
“We are really excited to welcome our students and our parents to the Expo Center,” she said.
“They will have an opportunity to interact with our staff but to receive immunizations, different resources they need in preparation for the new school year.”
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The first day of school is Aug. 22.
Students of all ages are welcome to attend the event. There will be free food, hands-on learning STEM activities, bounce houses, games and giveaways.
The event will also feature a resource fair – similar to what the district has assembled for its SPS University events.
“They will have an opportunity to visit with our various community partners if they are in need, for example, of before and after school care through our SHINE program, we will have staff members there,” Lathan said. “Our community partners are providing food. They are providing assistance around clothing needs, school supplies.”
Families will also be able to interact directly with top school officials.
“They will have access to myself, as the superintendent, and the district staff so that they know we are partners,” Lathan said. “This is the kickoff of our SPS partnership with our parents and students.”
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For years, the district has worked with community partners and donors to provide free backpacks to students.
That will continue this year but the distribution will be at school locations during the first week of class.
“This way, we can make sure every child is covered,” Lathan said.
The district’s “Ready. Set. Supply!” campaign has been collecting school supplies.
“The classroom teacher loves to be able to distribute that and they have their own unique way of doing that,” said Stephen Hall, chief communications officers. “If we can help equip the schools with the supplies, they work with the teachers.”
The standard school supply list includes:
- Crayola Crayons, 24 pack
- Plain # 2 pencils (sharpened)
- School Scissors
- Glue Sticks
- Composition Notebooks
- Rulers
- Dry Erase Markers
- Highlighters
- Colored Pencils
- School Supply Boxes (plastic work best)
- Colored Folders (with prongs & pockets)
- Tissues
- Sanitizing wipes
- Backpacks (no wheels)
Claudette Riley is the education reporter for the News-Leader. Email news tips to [email protected]