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Dallas mayor talks about getting kids ready for school
The annual Dallas Mayor's Back to School Fair is today and it marks the unofficial end of the summer vacation for many Dallas students.
DALLAS - School districts in North Texas are preparing for students to return to the classroom soon. That includes students in Dallas and Tarrant County.
Both the Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair and the Tarrant County Back to School Roundup are being held Friday to get families ready for the new year.
MORE: Back-to-School News
The Dallas event is designed to make the whole process of going back to school more fun and emphasize all the possibilities as students head back to class.
This is the 28th year for the event, which is now a large-scale operation and collaborative effort between the city of Dallas, Dallas ISD, and lots of nonprofits, corporations, and community volunteers.
Thousands of families will be receiving free school supplies, haircuts, immunizations, and other services. More than 100 vendors are expected to be on hand this year.
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Dallas families pick up school supplies at annual fair
For many families in Dallas, the Dallas Mayor's Back to School Fair is an annual tradition. Keisha and her son Byron called it a fun event with entertainment, free school supplies, and more.
Beyond the tangible benefits, the idea is to generate enthusiasm among parents and students by helping to ensure everyone gets off on the right foot.
"This is our way of doing our part as a city to invest in our future. What we want to make is that no kid starts off the school year without what they need and falls behind from the very beginning because of lack of access to supplies. So we make sure they have everything they need and it costs them nothing," said Mayor Eric Johnson.
Dallas ISD welcomes hundreds of new teachers
Hundreds of educators are getting a big welcome from the Dallas Independent School District as they get motivated for the new year.
"Everyone values education. We all know how important it is so that our kids can have the best opportunities. You know why? So they can be maybe behind these mics like you are or in front of the mic like I am. That's what we want all of our kids to have opportunities. And this says they want their kids to succeed and we're saying we're here to help you do that," added Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde.
The 2024 Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair starts at 8 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m. at Fair Park. Registration has already closed.
Meanwhile in Fort Worth, the Tarrant County Back to School Roundup is being held on the Tarrant County College South Campus.
Like the Dallas event, it’s a one-stop shop for free school supplies and other services to help students prepare for the year.
"This event allows our families to feel really secure in the start of school. Free haircuts? Imagine what you feel like feeling fresh that first day of school with a haircut, new outfit, and everything you need to be ready for school. It shows our students we care about them and our education is important," said Superintendent Angelica Ramsey.
It starts at 8 a.m. and runs until noon for those who are registered.
After that, the supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of registration.