Area organizations are anticipating the start of the new academic year next month and have begun planning to help families of students who may need school supplies and more.
One collection effort is mentioned in the June 27 edition of the village of River Forest electronic newsletter. River Forest and Oak Park townships have started their annual back to school drives.
“From Pre-K to high school seniors, the townships are collecting new book bags and school supplies to ensure every student in our community starts the year off right,” reads an announcement in the newsletter about the drives.
Donations may be dropped off at Oak Park Township, 105 S. Oak Park Ave., the newsletter announcement states.
“Let’s unite to support our local youth and give them the tools they need for a successful school year,” officials state in the announcement.
The newsletter blurb explains that some supplies may be ordered on the Amazon website using the Youth Services wishlist, which will be shipped directly to the Oak Park Township office. The organization is collecting school supply donations through Aug. 2.
“The students in our community require adequate school supplies to access quality education. Our goal is to fill a minimum of 250 backpacks with school supplies such as paper, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, erasers, etc.,” officials state on the wishlist.
Officials ask that only new items be dropped off at the donation box located near the front reception desk at the Oak Park Township building. Monetary donations – placed in an envelope – may be given directly to the receptionist.
“Your donation will help bridge the budgetary gap for school supplies and eliminate the stress of students not being prepared for school so their focus can easily turn to learning,” officials state on the wishlist.
In addition to organizations collecting classroom supplies, school officials are preparing in other ways to get students ready to start the new academic year.
Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 is gearing up for Huskie Kickoff Day when freshmen will be in attendance Aug. 14. The new school year begins Aug. 15 for all students.
Meanwhile, the first day of class is Aug. 21 for students of River Forest School District 90, which includes Lincoln Elementary, Willard Elementary and Roosevelt Middle schools.
Classes begin Aug. 22 for Oak Park Elementary School District 97, which includes William Beye, William Hatch, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Washington Irving, Abraham Lincoln, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Horace Mann and John Greenleaf Whittier elementary schools, as well as Gwendolyn Brooks and Percy Julian middle schools.
“School registration is approaching, and proof of physical and dental exams is required by Tuesday, Oct. 15, for children entering kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades,” reads another announcement on the village electronic newsletter.
Physicals are also needed for students to join a sports team or transfer schools, the newsletter states. Children entering kindergarten and second, sixth and ninth grades also need a dental exam.
The Infant Welfare Society Children’s Clinic in Oak Park is listed as one medical provider that can offer information and can schedule the medical and dental exams.