Springfield parents will be able to cross many items off their back-to-school to-do list at a free event later this month.
Springfield Public Schools are gearing up for back to school.
The event (part carnival, resource fair and giveaway) is free for any family in the district. It’s from 9:30am to 3pm on 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 drop-in event was designed to make it easier for parents to prepare for back to school. At the event, they can do the following and more:
Get back-to-school vaccinations. Complete the mandatory sports physical exams for students who participate in school activities. Pick up a bag of groceries. Request free or reduced price school lunches. Sign up for SHINE, before and after school.
“We are very excited to welcome our students and our parents to the Expo Center,” he said.
“They will have the opportunity to interact with our staff but to receive vaccinations, different resources that they need to prepare for the new school year.”
Month: Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield expands to serve Marshfield schools on Mondays
The first day of school is August 22.
Students of all ages can attend the event. There will be free food, hands-on STEM learning activities, bounce houses, games and giveaways.
The event will also feature a resource fair, similar to what the district has put together for its SPS University events.
“They’ll have the opportunity to visit the different partners in the community if they need, for example, before and after school care through our SHINE program, we’ll have staff members there,” Lathan said. “Our community partners are providing food. They’re providing assistance with clothing needs, school supplies.”
Families will also be able to interact directly with key school officials.
“They’ll have access to myself, as superintendent, and the district staff so they know we’re partners,” Lathan said. “This is the beginning of our SPS partnership with our parents and students.”
Month: Springfield school board restarts task force to evaluate facilities, possibly recommend bond
For years, the district has worked with community partners and donors to provide free backpacks to students.
This will continue this year, but distribution will take place at school locations during the first week of school.
“That way, we can make sure every kid is covered,” Lathan said.
The district “Ready. Ready. Supply!” campaign has been the collection of school supplies.
“The classroom teacher loves being able to distribute it, and they have their own unique way of doing it,” said Stephen Hall, head of communications. “If we can help equip the schools with the equipment, they work with the teachers.”
The list of standard school supplies includes:
Crayola Crayons, 24-pack Single #2 pencils (sharpened) School scissors Glue sticks Composition notebooks Rulers Dry erase markers Highlighters Colored pencils School supply boxes (plastic works best) Colored folders (with tips and pockets ) Handkerchiefs (no disinfectant wipes Backpacks)
Claudette Riley is the News-Leader’s education reporter. Email news tips to criley@news-leader.com.
