Back-to-School Fair Offers Free Backpacks, Immunizations

The fifth annual Prince George’s County Public Schools Back-to-School Fair will take place at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The fair provides a “one stop” venue where students and their families can learn everything they need to know to have a successful school year.

“Each year attendance at the fair continues to grow,” said Dr. Segun C. Eubanks, Board of Education Chair. “This is due to the tremendous support we receive from our community partners, whose participation is key to the success of this event.”

The “Great By Choice” theme highlights the variety of academic programs available in Prince George’s County public schools. More than 400 representatives from county agencies, local businesses, and PGCPS schools and offices will help visitors find out what their neighborhood school has to offer, which special programs help students prepare for college and careers, and what resources are available to support students and families.

Surrattsville High School ROTC students will kick-off the fair at 9:45 a.m., and Gwynn Park HS cheerleaders will infuse the crowd with back-to-school spirit. Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer for PGCPS, Dr. Segun C. Eubanks, Board of Education Chair, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, and a representative from the Prince George’s County Executive’s Office will bring greetings.

The fair features on-site school uniform sales, free immunizations, and the annual backpack giveaway. Backpacks are provided through the generous donations of community members, county agencies, and local businesses. Educational Systems Federal Credit Union alone is donating 2,500 backpacks, valued at $25,000.

Details on the Backpack Giveaway and immunization clinic are as follows:

Backpack Giveaway Information: Upon arrival to the fair, families will receive one ticket per child. To redeem backpacks, families must visit a school, office, and vendor display and have the representatives initial the ticket in the space provided. Families then bring their ticket(s) to the Backpack Giveaway station to receive the backpack(s). One backpack per child, and backpacks are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Students must attend the fair to receive a free backpack.

Immunization Clinic Information: New school immunizations are required for the 2015-2016 school year for students entering kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 7, and Grade 8. These new vaccination requirements are in addition to the current school immunization requirements.

The Prince George’s County Health Department (PGCHD) and PGCPS Health Services are partnering to provide free chickenpox (varicella) vaccines to students entering kindergarten and Grade 1, and free tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines and meningitis (meningococcal) vaccines to students entering Grades 7 and 8. To pre-register, call 301-583-3300. Walk-ins are also accepted. Parents must be present and bring their child’s immunization record. For more information about the new school vaccine requirements, call301-749-4556 or visit the PGCPS website.

For more information about the Back-to-School Fair, click here or call 301-952-6001.

A systemic orientation for students in prekindergarten and kindergarten is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24. A transition day for students in Grades 6 and 7 who are entering middle school for the first time, and students entering high school in Grade 9 will also take place on Aug. 24. The first day of school for all students is Tuesday, Aug. 25.