Event to help Southern Local students prepare for new year

SALINEVILLE - The families of Southern Local students of all ages are invited to receive a variety of school supplies and information while attending an evening of music, food and fun.

The school district's Back to School Bash will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 31 on the grounds of the school campus.

"It's our biggest event and always successful, with a big turnout each year," said Emily Smith, principal of Southern Local Elementary School and the event's coordinator.

Smith said bounce houses and face painting will be offered to occupy young children while local Parent-Teacher Organization members, school personnel and others distribute a wide array of school supplies and free hot dogs and a disc jockey plays music.

She noted the event also offers an opportunity for various nonprofit organizations to share information useful to families and school groups to raise funds for their endeavors.

Among the many slated to take part are the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, Akron Children's Hospital pediatric dental unit, East Liverpool City Hospital, the Southern Local Touchdown Club, which will be selling assorted school memorabilia to support the football team and cheerleading squad; and the high school's Spanish Club, which will be selling boba tea, a popular bubbly beverage, to raise funds for is upcoming trip to Europe.

Smith noted the event usually coincides with the high school's Meet the Team Night, but this year's fall sports start a little earlier this year.

The event will coincide with orientation for sixth graders entering the junior high school, which will begin at 4:30 p.m.