School starts early this year in the Clark County School District, Monday, Aug. 14. Here’s a list of events and services to help parents and students prepare for the first bell.
Back-to-School Fair
Vegas PBS and local vendors partner with Mariana’s Supermarkets to distribute 3,000 backpacks and school supplies to students. It is free and open to the public, but students must be present to receive backpacks.
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3; Clark High School, 4291 W. Pennwood Ave.
Scholarship for Homeless High School Youth
The fourth-annual Velasquez Memorial Scholarship Soccer Tournament raises funds for Las Vegas’ homeless high school youth through Project 150’s scholarship program. Although registration to play in the tournament closed July 17, individuals can still donate or sponsor here.
Aug. 4 and 5 at Heritage Park 300 S. Racetrack Road, Henderson.
School Supply Drive
Communities in Schools of Nevada Fill the Bus drive helps collect school supplies for local students. Backpacks, uniform polos and khakis, pencils, pens, binders, paper and other basic supplies are needed.
Aug. 5-6 at Sam’s Club at Arroyo Market Square, 7100 Arroyo Crossing Parkway. Find out more here.
Back-to-School Fair
CCSD partners with Cox Communications for the free 10th annual Cox Back-to-School Fair. In addition to resources for transportation, school lunches and zoning, there will be an immunization clinic for low to no cost depending on a family’s insurance status. Parents are encouraged to bring their children’s immunization record and insurance card.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, Meadows mall, 4300 Meadows Lane; 10 a.m -4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, Downtown Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive.
Back-to-School Haircuts and Eye Exams
The Eyecare Center will offer free eye exams and the A Cut Above hair studio will offer free haircuts for youth ages 5-18. Donations of nonperishable canned goods for Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Food Pantry will also be collected.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Derfelt Senior Center, 3343 W. Washington Ave.
School Drive and Community Fair
Las Vegas Ward 5 will host its free back-to-school drive and community fair where up to 100 vendors are expected to participate, offering wrap-around services and information. Students must be present to receive backpacks full of supplies.
Aug. 12, 7:30 a.m. wristband distribution; the fair lasts until 8-11 a.m. at Lorenzi Park, 3101 W. Washington Ave.
Dula Back-2-School Fair
Free backpacks and supplies will be distributed while they last, but school children must be present to receive supplies.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 12,at Dula Gymnasium, 441 E. Bonanza Road. Call 702-229-6307 for more information.
Shoe Drive
Goodie Two Shoes Foundation and the Metro Police are partnering on a shoe drive before school starts. The Goodie Two Shoes Foundation also partners with CCSD throughout the school year. Recipients of Goodie Two Shoes efforts are preselected by the schools and organizations with which they partner. It’s best to check with a student’s specific school to find out.
CCSD Clothing Closets
Several Title 1 schools in Clark County include clothing closets where homeless and at-risk youth have immediate access to basics, including socks, underwear, toiletries and school supplies.
This is an ongoing event. To view schools that participate, visit here.
Breakfast After the Bell
Although Breakfast After the Bell (Senate Bill 503) passed in 2015 to help increase breakfast participation in CCSD schools, many parents are unaware that the legislation mandates eligible schools to serve breakfast after the bell rings.
Parents can check see if the program is implemented at their schools here. For more information on the importance of breakfast in school read Three Square’s campaign, visit here.