District 91 schools will hold its annual Back to School Celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 15 at Forest Park Middle School, 925 Beloit Ave.
“It’s a celebratory event as well as an opportunity to do last-minute registration,” said Scott Dunnell, D91’s public relations and communications manager.
Families must bring a personal ID and proof of residency in order to register their children. A water bill can be used as proof of residency, Dunnell said. In addition to offering free registration, the district will provide a bounce house, DJ, video games and more.
“We’ve got a really good cross-section of people who are partners this year,” Dunnell said.
Beyond Hunger — formerly the Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry — will have a booth. The West Cook YMCA and Rush Oak Park Hospital’s pediatric team will also be in attendance.
The Infant Welfare Society’s Children’s Clinic will offer free dental checkups starting at 5:30 p.m. for attendees, age 1 to 18. Families wishing to sign up for a free dental checkup can register for the service at 5 p.m.
Creativita will work with students to produce a community-based equity art project. A face painter will be on hand to decorate soon-to-be-students’ cheeks. Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor will also be in attendance, as well as the Forest Park Public Library, which will sign children up for library cards. Officials from Mathnasium will offer their services as math tutors.
“I do think it’s important for the district to provide a way for everybody to feel positive about coming back to school, and this is a really fun way to do it,” Dunnell said.
