We've been enjoying the summer break, but before we know it the school year will soon be upon us!
While we are enjoying the last few weeks of summer, doing these simple tasks now will help ease back to school stress in a few weeks. Scroll down to see a list of back to school events, supply drives, and community resources.
School Registration
Now is the time to start looking into registration, if you haven't done so already! Here is what you need to know for Acadia-St. Landry schools.
Acadia Parish Schools - First day of school for students starts August 7th. If your child will be riding the bus, registration must be completed by July 26th to help in preparing a bus schedule. Online registration can be found here. (Submissions will continue to be accepted after the initial deadline)
St. Landry Parish Schools - First day of school for students is August 8th. School registration is now open for public/charter schools. Find more information and download the registration packet here.
Check our Private Schools and Homeschool Resources Guide for further info on education resources!
Check your school's policies before hitting the stores for supplies and uniforms! Some school districts have made recent changes to their policies this year which include clear/mesh backpacks, clear water bottles, hoodless jackets/sweatshirts, and more.
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Physicals and Wellness Checks
Be sure your child is up to date on all required vaccinations before the start of school. You will most likely need to bring a copy of their immunization record with you for registration. You can find the Immunization Schedule here for required vaccinations your child needs at different ages. This is also a good time to schedule your child's physical if they are interested in sports before doctors' appointment schedules start filling up.
School supplies
When the school year ended, we sorted through all the “stuff” brought home to salvage what we could for next year. Pencil boxes, binders, scissors, and staplers last from year to year so instead of replacing these items each year, put them aside right away so there is less to buy later. Cross the items you already have off of the supply list and hit the stores in the early morning or end of the day to avoid the crowds.
Certain supplies are not worth the bargain price for off-brand! Avoid buying pencils and colored pencils made in China. These simply do not sharpen and your child will likely go through them much faster than the brand name varieties. Same goes for Crayons! Opt for the Crayola over CrazyArt or other off-brands that are waxy and break easily. Your child and teachers will thank you.
TIP – If your child typically has to do presentation projects, purchase one or two tri-fold boards or other type of poster boards now. These are great to have on hand to avoid a last-minute trip to the store when your child tells you the night before their project is due!
Clothes
Take advantage of all the back-to-school sales and pick up key pieces for fall. Take a few minutes with your kids to see what still fits and what is too small, so you won’t have any “it doesn’t fit” drama when school starts. We've created a guide on local stores that are carrying uniforms in store for public and private school uniforms for Acadia and St. Landry Parish students.
TIP - Don't forget the accessories! If your child will be starting Kindergarten or 1st grade look for magnet closure belts! These are much easier for them to fasten and unfasten.
Shoes
Yup, the kids have grown over the summer, and you need to add new school shoes to your list. Check the supply list to see if they need special gym shoes.
Backpacks
Avoid the cheap character of the week backpack in favor of a sturdy and durable backpack that you can accessorize with iron-ons or keychains. This will save you money and help you avoid having to purchase a new backpack mid-year.
Be sure to check your local school's supply list or updated policies on specific book sack types that are allowed as some require mesh or clear backpacks.
Lunchboxes
Pick up a cool lunch box and reusable bags and containers so your child can enjoy a litter-less lunch. We love lunch boxes that have pockets for the separate nutrition breaks.
Back to School Events
Click on hyperlinked text to view full event details.
Back to School Fair
New Hope Church Eunice
July 20, 2024
10am - till supplies run out
Back to School Supplies Giveaway/Bash
July 20th, 10am -2pm
VFW Hall- Post 2483
123 N. Liberty St.
July 27
Community Works 11th Annual School Drive
9am-1pm
Boys and Girls Club Opelousas Unit
Feed the Community Part 3/School Supply Drive
9am-noon
Arpeggio's Lounge & Event Center
Annual School Supply Drive
11am - 2pm
Leonville Elementary
July 31
Back to School Drive
6:30-7:30 pm
Town of Washington Pavilion
August 3
Back to School Day of Blessing
9am-1pm
Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas
Back 2 School Fest
1-4pm
Southeast Neighborhood Center Eunice
August 4th
School Supply Pickup
2-6pm
Port Barre Lions Club
Mesh backpacks will be given while supplies last!
Back to School Free Hair Cut/Stylist Event
Delta Grand Theatre in Opelousas
August 8
NAUW Crowley Branch Back to School Seminar
Backpack Giveaway
6pm.
Martin Luther King Center, Crowley
August 10
Chase Money Skill Back to School Event
10am- 12pm
Chase Bank in Opelousas
August 11th
Back 2 School Bash
Rayne Temple Church
Free Haircuts
Tuesday July 23rd and Thursday July 25th 10am-12 noon
Opelousas Life Community Complex
1141 E. Prudhomme St.
Eunice Free Haircuts
July 24th, 10am-1pm
First Baptist Church Eunice
331 W. Park Ave.
Back to School Haircuts @ Magic Mirror
330 N. Railroad (Opelousas, La)
July 29th & August 5th
Tickets must be presented at time of service. Click on the link for event details
Back to School Drive & Haircuts
August 4th, 9am-11am
Hope for Opelousas
330 E. Madison St.
Be sure to check back on our Back to School Guide for upcoming events and school supply drives available in the community! Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss out on important updates!
Be sure to check the calendar for more back to school events!
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