We just spotted the first flock of geese arriving in the Hub City area… must be official: summertime is winding down.  It’s that time of year.  We panic because we haven’t quite finished that summer bucket list with our kids and we need to think about preparing for the bus back to school…..now!

To help you enjoy every inch of summer (and there’s lots more to enjoy!) and at the same time jump-start school prep, we’ve gathered all the great Back-to-School deals, dates and events in one convenient spot on LubbockForKids.com.  You can now find all the summertime fun to round out that bucket list & also plug into all the B2S excitement… there’s plenty of time!  And for up-to-the-minute events, check our Back to School section and jam-packed calendar!

A time to shop!

• Take advantage of the Texas State Tax Free Weekend Friday August 5 – Sunday August 7.   Don’t forget, lots of deals online too if you like to avoid the crowds that weekend!
• Sat. 8/13 from 9am-12pm:  Back to School Fiesta for area kids from Texas Tech’s Office of Community Engagement.  All K-12 students and family welcomed! Free Lunch & Free School Supplies while quantities last…learn about numerous educational, local and federal programs and initiatives, and receive free school supplies for the upcoming school year.
• Take advantage of several shopping events to get more bang for your buck for B2S shopping including the Just Between Friends consignment sale taking place Wed. 8/3 – 8/6… during tax free weekend!  As well as the Cradles 2 Crayons fall sale coming up 9/22-24.  Find more consignment sources and events in our Consignment Sales section.
• Sat. 8/20 from 9am-noon:  The Annual Back 2 School Kickoff @ Mae Simmons offers free backpacks and school supplies!
• Sat. 8/13 from 10am-1pm:  The Annual Bridge Bash @ The Bridge of Lubbock features a Back-to-School mega clothing give-away… including school supplies!

A time for medical appointments!

There are several events where kids can receive their immunizations, physicals, dental and more.  Reminder:  Children must have their shot records and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to receive immunizations at most events.

• Sat. 8/6 from 9am-12pm:  Back to School Summer Fun Fest @ Arnett Benson Medical and Dental Clinic. Hosted by the Community Health Centers of Lubbock.  Free immunizations, FREE backpacks and school supplies will be distributed. Food, games, music!
• Contact local groups, such as Texas Tech Physicians Pediatrics, for clinics and immunization options.  For links and sources see our Pediatrics resources section.

A time to give!

West Texans are wonderful, giving, and compassionate… there are several school supply and backpack drives to help strapped parents prepare for the upcoming school year.  These events also give our kids a chance to help by gathering and donating supplies too.

• July – Aug. 3:  “Project SOS: Supply our Students”  school supply drive at United Family of stores.
• July – Aug 14:  The Back Pack to School Drive at Kingsgate Shopping Center.. Drop off new or gently-used backpack for them to fill for The Bridge of Lubbock Bridge Bash.

Lots of places are having End of Summer Blasts to help wrap up Summer 2016 with a bang!  Some of our favorites include:

• Sat. 8/13 from 6am-2pm:  Vamos a Pescar family fishing event at Buddy Holly Lake (N. University).  A great chance to bag some time together with the kids for a back to school treat!
• Thurs. 8/11 at 11am:  Teen Screen Back-to-School Movie Marathon @ the Mahon Library.

A time to learn!

First Days of School include (check each district’s website link for orientation and open house dates):

• Tues. August 16th:  Christ The King Cathedral School,
• Wed. August 17th:  Lubbock Christian Schools,
• Thurs. August 18th:  Trinity Christian,  All Saints Episcopal,
• Mon. August 22nd: Lubbock ISD, Frenship ISD, Lubbock-Cooper ISD,
• Wed. August 24th:  Southcrest Christian.

College and Career Night @ the United Supermarkets Arena:
Mon. 10/24 from 5:30-7:30pm.  Hosted by Lubbock ISD.  This is a great, not-to-miss event for parents and kids in Lubbock and surrounding areas who are in 6th grade and above … especially high schoolers!

Tutoring Resources:
Now is also a great time to check into any additional learning services that can take your child to the next level or help kick start the new year.  See our Tutoring Section for a full list of local sources including:  The Institute for Creative Learning, Mathnasium, Literacy Lubbock, and CLC College Prep Services.

Checkout our calendar often for up-to-the-minute dates and events.
Roll-on Lubbock parents!

Do you know of a cool B2S event, activity or resource?  Share it with us here or add it to our calendar!

Updated 8/5/2016