Fox C-6 families will have the opportunity to get ready for the upcoming school year and to learn more about what services the district and area organizations offer on Friday, Aug. 8, during the school district’s annual Back to School Expo.
The event will be from 5-7 p.m. at the Fox C-6 Service Center, 849 Jeffco Blvd., in Arnold. There is no charge to attend the expo, which primarily serves families with children enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Sue Belleville, director of child care services, said more than 25 local organizations and business are expected to be at the expo, along with representatives from various Fox C-6 departments, such as transportation, nutrition services and Character Kids Club, which offers before- and after-school care for students.
“The objective is primarily for families in the district to learn about what kind of resources are available to them,” Belleville said. “It also is an opportunity to meet some local business owners. The kids usually walk away with some goodies and coupons.”
Some of the area organizations and businesses expected at the event are the Jefferson County Health Department, Rock Community Fire Protection District, Arnold Police Department, Jefferson County Library, Mercy Community Outreach, Girl Scouts, Compass Health, Chick-Fil-A, Kona Ice and Smoothie King.
Belleville said about 250 people typically attend each expo.
“Many (organizations and businesses) have been coming since we first started this in 2018,” she said. “It continues to grow, and we get a really good turnout. I would say it has been a big success, and it has been helpful for a lot of our families and the departments in the district who are represented.”
Free school supplies also will be available for families who need them during the expo. Belleville said school supply lists from each Fox C-6 school will be available at the expo.
“The elementary school counselors receive donations throughout the year,” she said. “They sort out the school supplies, and it is almost like free shopping. The supplies are placed on tables, and families make their way around with school supply lists from their schools and pick up items they need.”
Belleville said she looks forward to the expo every year and hopes families leave with helpful information about the district, services available throughout the community and a closer connection to each other.
“It is kind of a hidden gem,” she said. “ It is awesome because it starts a new school year, and new families and existing families can come together for an evening and enjoy themselves. It also is kind of the cap to the end of another great summer.”
For more information, go to the Community Outreach page at foxc6.org or call 636-282-6915.