Mansfield ISD gets ready to go back to school

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

We interrupt your summer to bring you important information for the Back-to-School Bash.

The 10th annual Mansfield ISD event brings together everything you will need to get ready to head back to the classroom.

“It’s like a party to kick off the school year,” said Katie Flowers, director of community relations & advertising for the school district.

Set for 7:30 a.m.-noon Aug. 2, the party will spread across the parking lot and throughout the Dr. Jim Vaszauskas Center for the Performing Arts, 1110 W. Debbie Lane. Unlike previous years, all events will be at the performing arts center, Flowers said, enabling parents and students to do a one-stop shop.

Admission and all activities are free at the bash, and everyone is invited, Flowers said.

“Anyone can come, even if they are not a MISD student,” she said. “We never turn anyone away.”

The school district has ordered 4,300 backpacks with school supplies to hand out to students, and more than 2,000 pairs of shoes. Shoes are limited to two pair per family, she said, and backpacks are limited to four per family.

“Make sure your kids are in line with you for backpacks and shoes,” Flowers said.

The event will also offer physicals, vaccinations, vision and dental screenings and haircuts.

Thanks to a sock drive at First Methodist Mansfield, students can also take home a new pair of socks.

“All of the schools will be represented,” Flowers said, with booths of information and activities. All of the vendors will also have giveaways, plus there’s a lot to do.

“Some people come for the activities, games and bounce houses,” she said. “FC Dallas is having a blow-up soccer goal.  The city brings the water truck, and student nutrition will have samples.”

The transportation department will have a booth for those needing to catch a bus during the school year.

Fine arts will have performances throughout the day from cheer, band and choir, Flowers said.

The annual event has become a tradition for Mansfield families, drawing 10,000-14,000 people each year. Flowers advises arriving early and catching one of the free shuttles from Legacy High School, 1263 N. Main St., or from Summit High School, 1071 Turner-Warnell Road.