Southern Back-to-School Bash is on Aug. 17

SALINEVILLE -- The Southern Local School District is kicking off another year of learning with the 2023 Back-to-School Bash. The fun-filled fete is set for Aug. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. and includes vendors, inflatables, food, giveaways and more. Activities begin with the sixth-grade orientation in the Southern Local High School gym at 4:30 p.m. and follows with events throughout the exterior of the campus. Community groups including the school district, area agencies, churches and businesses will provide free information, supplies and treats to students and their families as they prepare for the first day of classes on Aug. 23.

District Special Education Coordinator Laura Krulik is organizing the bash and said it has been held for well over a decade with the exception of the COVID pandemic. It yielded a successful comeback in 2021 and drew about 1,000 people as well as two-dozen vendors, but even more participants are expected this year.

"I have more agencies than I've ever had with more than 40 tables," Krulik added. "I joined the Columbiana County Family and Children First Council a couple of years ago and it is a good resource. Their members were then notified [to participate]. We try to add new businesses and organizations every year to do something different."

Churches such as the Salineville Church of Christ and Salineville Assembly of God will take part along with agencies including Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities/PACT. Among the newer vendors are Mercy Health, Akron Children's Hospital with its Doggie Brigade and the CARE Funeral and Cremation Specialists of Wellsville and Calcutta. District Nurse Heidi McIntosh will once again offer hygiene products at her health fair and the district will distribute water bottles for students to use at the schools' water filling stations. Goodies such as popcorn, snow cones and hot dogs will also be provided and kids can enjoy a series of inflatable games from slides to an obstacle course, the latter of which are provided by Sunshine Party Rental of East Liverpool. The night will draw to a close with an introduction of fall athletes during Meet the Indians in the SLHS gym at 7 p.m.

School staff and classrooms tours will be available at Southern Local High School with some also on hand in the elementary building.

"We've got a big day with the Back to School Bash," said SLHS Principal Rich Wright. "[Virtual Learning Academy] students will have orientation at 4 p.m. with the sixth-grade orientation at 4:30 p.m. Students can pick up their schedules during the bash and visit their homeroom, which is their first period classroom."

In addition, parents may complete final forms in the high school media center. Krulik said the bash was a way to bring everyone together since the district covers a vast area.

"The bash has drawn about 1,000 people and Meet the Indians has helped bring a crowd," she added. "The school is the hub of the community and we have a widespread district, so we like to have everything at once."

Krulik said anyone in need of school supplies can receive further assistance by contacting the district at 330-679-2343.