How parents and kids are getting prepared for new school year
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - We’re just days away from some local students going back to school.
Students in Aiken and Edgefield counties head back to the classroom Monday.
In Aiken County, this is the second year for a year-round schedule in the district.
Schools in the district held “meet the teacher,” “walk the schedule” and other back-to-school events on Thursday to get kids and parents prepared.
Parents know that going back to school means the wallets are coming out.
“We spent $143,” said Ashley Roach, mom of Westminster freshman.
And businesses know that too. This time of year brings in 39 billion dollars to the back-to-school industry according to the National Retail Federation.
“It seems like the prices are definitely getting more expensive. Last year we actually tried a combination of Staples and Amazon because we thought we would save money and it didn’t really turn out that way,” Roach.
Learn about the new security plans for Aiken County schools
With families getting ready for the first day of school now, some campuses are using this time to add an extra layer of security for the year.
South Carolina families may get some price relief. Aug. 2 through Aug. 4 is the state’s tax-free weekend. Local businesses have already seen big crowds stocking up before school begins. But they are expecting even more people when that weekend hits.
“Oh my goodness. I don’t even think I could put a number on it,” said Brooke Thomas.
Thomas is the owner of Ginger Bee Boutique and she says past years have shown her just how crazy that weekend can get.
Andrew Powell is a worker at Aiken Embroidery and Design and agrees. He says they help four times more customers at this time of year.
“Of course, it always seems to increase like three to four days before school and everybody suddenly re that they haven’t quite done it yet,” he said.
The price tag may go up but for Roach, she just wants her student to start off on the right foot.
“I think it’s the look on your kids’ faces when they get to go and pick out all the brand new things that they’re gonna use for the school year. I think it just starts the year off right with just some excitement,” she said.
Among them was Highland Springs Middle School from 3-6 p.m. and North Augusta and Hammond Hill elementary schools planned events from 2-6.
You can check the district’s website for more information.
Meanwhile, with school supplies getting more expensive, local groups are trying to help out by holding giveaways and other events. Here’s a look at some of the events that are coming up soonest:
- Also on Friday, head over to the Burke County back-to-school fun day from 6-9 p.m. for free supplies, a bounce house, refreshments and more at the Burke County Recreation Department.
- On Saturday, United Way of the CSRA will host another school drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Walmart in Waynesboro, 1500 N. Liberty Street.
- Augusta Worship Center’s Free Backpack Giveaway Event on Saturday will begin at 10 a.m. at 3840 Mike Padgett Highway. The event will feature the distribution of backpacks filled with school supplies to children in the Goshen neighborhood of South Augusta.
- The 14th annual Fit4School returns to the Aiken County Family Y on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The drive-thru event will provide free school supplies, health screenings, haircuts and the opportunities to meet superheroes and princesses.
- Head over to Southern Bank Pavilion on Saturday for free school supplies, bounce house, water slide, obstacle course, games and more from 10 a.m. to noon at the Back-to-School with Jesus.
- the Guiding Path Enrichment Center for the back-to-school extravaganza for school supplies, educational resources, food, crafts and more at the Warren Road Community Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
- Head over to the Sandersville annual back-to-school blast from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. There will be school supplies, a bouncy house, water slide and food. It will be located on the grass lot between KFC and Verizon on South Harris Street.
- On Sunday, the First Baptist Church of Gough will host its first annual Fun Day and back-to-school giveaway from noon to 3 p.m. at Gough Park.
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