Jacksonville Moms Need to Know: Your Guide to Back to School Events

August is approaching fast and that means most students in Jacksonville will be heading back to school. To help the whole family get ready for the new school year, we’ve put together this back to school event guide that includes back to school parties, supply drives and giveaways, health fairs, consignment sales, and information on tax-free weekend in Florida. To see all of August’s events in and around town, take a look at the calendar and keep checking back here as we continue to update this list!

July 8-30

2017 2nd annual Backpacks-4-Autism Registration—This year, Making Strides For Autism, Inc. (MS4A) has teamed up with Northeast Florida Advocates for Autism and Related Disabilities, and the Embrace Community Center to offer the 2nd annual Backpacks-4-Autism. Supplies are available for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) residing in and attending K-12 schools in Northeast Florida counties and are NOT available for college students. The student MUST have an Autism Spectrum (ASD) diagnosis to receive a backpack.

July 19 and July 26

Free Back to School Health Screenings in Clay County—The Florida Department of Health in Clay County in cooperation with Clay County District Schools, St. Vincent’s Mobile Health Outreach Ministry, and the Way Clinic will be providing shots, school physicals, and sports physicals at various locations.

July 24

Summer Learning Closing Party! at Univesity Park Branch Library—Did you have fun this summer? Talk about all of the programs and presenters we had this summer, and we’ll play some games and help you get ready for the school year! Light refreshments will be provided. Ages 5-12.

Summer Learning Closing Party! at Pablo Creek Library—Wrap up a whole summer of learning fun with the Jacksonville Public Library. Have fun with friends and share your experiences from our library programs that inspired you to Build a Better World. As summer ends and school begins remember that the library has something for everyone! For children ages 5-12.

July 25

Summer Learning Closing Party! at Webb Wesconnett Library—Did you have fun this summer? Come and talk about all of the programs and presenters we had this summer, and we’ll help you get ready for the school year! Ages 5-12.

July 25

Summer Learning Closing Party! at San Marco Library—It’s time to close out our summer of learning fun with the Jacksonville Public Library. Look back at all the special library programs that inspired you this summer to Build a Better World. From making magical laughter, to exploring art, to building challenges, the library has something for everyone this summer! For children ages 5-12.

July 29

GO-Green Back-to-School Health and Wellness Event—There will be environmental awareness education, rock climbing wall, urban gardening, plant & seed sale, backyard chickens, music and arts, bike safety, and much more! Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must preregister to receive a free backpack with school supplies. Free healthy meal, children’s physicals, health and wellness information.

Back to School Bash at Salvation Army at Clay County—The Salvation Army of Clay County is hosting its Second Annual Back to School Bash. For the kids, there will be free backpacks and school supplies, free haircuts, and free vision screening. For the adults, there will be information on before/after school childcare options, food and nutrition services in the school district, after school sports and recreational activities, and healthcare/dental service, just to name a few. There will be free bounce houses and food for the whole family!

July 30

Motorcycle Community Back to School Giveaway19 Motorcycle, Social and Auto clubs came together in a group effort to give away book bags and supplies to children in grades kindergarten through the 12th grade.

August 2

Jacksonville Downtown Art Walk Back to School artSMARTS – Downtown Art Walk is celebrating back to school with fun activities for kids including art activities, music, bounce houses, story time, and vendors with information about back to school dance, sports, and after school programs. 

August 4

Movie Under the StarsThe Avenues is kicking off Back to School and Tax-Free Weekend with Movie Under the Stars on Friday, August 4, 2017! Bring the whole family to enjoy “Moana” in Center Court. Head phones will be provided for each attendee so “lei” back and enjoy the movie!

August 4-6

Tax-Free Weekend—The Florida Sales Tax Holiday 2017 kicks off on Friday, August 4th, 2017 and will end Sunday August 6th, 2017.

August 5

Back to School Giveaway 2017 — Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge (MWUGL) of Jacksonville Presents: Back to School Giveaway 2017. There will be free school supplies, lunch, clothing, haircuts, snow cones, vision screening, health education, bounce houses and more!

Saint Michael Charities Back to School Drive — Back to school drive for children in need! They’re in need of donations. For more information on how your donation is helping to make a difference in the lives of so many in our community, visit their website.

YMCA Back-To-School Bash — Come learn more about the programs and services the Y offers that are designed to help military service members and their loved ones come together, stay together and have the ability to adjust, bounce back, and thrive. Activities include: Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway (supplies limited), Health Screenings, Swimming, Group Exercise Demonstrations, lots of fun for kids! Three locations on the First Coast!

August 5

Back to School Event at Hillcrest Baptist Church — This annual Back-to-School Giveaway is hosted as an outreach by the church’s monthly First Saturday Ministries. At this event, they will distribute children’s clothing, shoes, backpacks, new socks, and underwear.  This FREE event is open to anyone within our community and surrounding area.

Tools 4 School JaxThe Divine Intervention & Prevention Foundation also known as (D.I.P.)  kicking off the annual back to school supply and clothing giveaway. Tools 4 School Jax supports underprivileged students in need with back to school supplies & clothing to make sure that these kids are excited about school and have everything they need to succeed.

Beauty Fab Lab 3rd Annual Back to School GiveawayPlease Join Beauty Fab Lab as we host our 3rd Annual  Back 2 School Giveaway on Saturday, August 5th, 2017. There will be backpacks and supplies, live Dj, free food for the kids, bounce house, and good vibes.

Virginia College Back to School GiveawayStart the new school year off right with Virginia College at our #VCBackToSchool community event! School supply giveaways, music, refreshments, games, and fun that is great for all ages. You won’t want to miss the festivities!

August 6

Back to School Fashion Show—Back to School shopping starts at The Avenues! Shop all of the hottest trends and celebrate Tax-Free Weekend with our Back to School Fashion Show. The Fashion Show features styles for all ages and teachers from Forever 21, Francesca’s, Crazy 8, Windsor and many more! Enjoy giveaways and special offers throughout the show.

August 8

JMB Park Hop: Jack Russell — Our Park Hop finale will be at Russell Park, located in Atlantic Beach.  Join us as we celebrate an amazing summer at one of the beaches best parks!

August 9

Pediatric Health Fair – Open House — Come join Keiser University for their annual Pediatric Health Fair! Speak with professionals and students in the Health Care field! First 200 attendees will receive FREE BACKPACKS and school supplies! There will be many activities as well as complimentary food and drinks, so bring the whole family!

August 10

First day of school for Nassau and St. Johns County

August 11

CTF Community Giveback Expo—Families are invited for the 3rd Annual Chasity Taylor weekend. There will be free back to school haircuts for boys (spaces limited), free cute, simple hairstyles for the little girls (space limited), free food baskets (while they last), free basic dental checkup with Happy Tooth Express (must sign up before 7/21), and more.

August 12

Free Back to School Health Fair and School Supply Giveaway — This fun free event gives kids valuable vision and hearing screenings before they return to school. Vision is Priceless and The Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center will be onsite at Florida Blue to perform the screenings for the kids in a fun atmosphere.

Movie Under the Stars — St. Johns Town Center is hosting the ultimate way for families to stretch their entertainment dollars, just in time for back to school on Saturday, August 12, 2017, with Movies Under the Stars! Bring the whole family to enjoy “The Boss Baby.” Don’t forget your blanket and chair. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

FREE Back to School Event at Florida Blue — Join us for a free fun day full of prizes, school supply giveaway, and kid friendly activities. Special performance by Jacksonville Drumline and appearances by Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp mascot and Florida Blue’s very own Sunny. Free smoothies provided by Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Vision and hearing screenings provided. Balloon artist and face painter, as well as child safety tips among other things, will take place throughout the event. Call 904-394-2250 for more information. Held at the Florida Blue Center in North Jacksonville near the airport. All are welcome to this FREE event.

2nd Annual Back to School Bash hosted WGV Athletics Booster Club  — Join us for our 2nd Annual Back to School Bash! Celebrate the kick-off the new school year. All ages are welcome. You don’t have to be a member with WGV Gymnastics to attend this event. Minion Character Meet & Greet, Scavenger hunt, 3-legged race, ready for school race, hula hoop games, ladder golf, I spy, teamwork basketball, and many more activities. There will be prizes, candy, nail polish, temporary tattoos, and coloring pages, and you may also have a chance to throw a pie at your coach! We will have Hotdogs, baked goods, and other food and drinks for sale. Tickets: $10 first child $8 for second child.

Back 2 School Giveaway & Community Health Fair—Hosted by Absyinnia Missionary Baptist Church: Free backpacks, supplies. FREE haircuts for first 40 ppl.

Back to School Bash Hosted by DCPSThe bash is back! Join us on Saturday, August 12th at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds from 9 am – Noon for our annual Back to School Bash! Free backpacks, school supplies and community resources will be available for students.

O2B Kids Back to School Bash—O2B Kids hosts a free Back to School Bash. There will be activities, class sign ups, and more.

August 14

First day of school for Duval County

August 15

First day of school for Clay County

August 27

Losco BLUE Back 2 School Bash—It’s that time of year again. Let’s celebrate our returning teachers and students with a great day at the park!

Bring the kids and all of your friends to the Inaugural Losco BLUE Back 2 School Bash. There will be bounce houses, games, live music, food trucks, ice cream and more.

Don’t forget to print your JMB First Day of School Signs!

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Bernadyn
Bernadyn is a Jacksonville native who loves the beach, sun, chocolate, and coffee. She met her husband while she was in college at the University of North Florida. They have two kids (6 and 9). When she became a mom, she began her freelance writing career. She wrote for various publications while writing for her blog, B is 4. Her writing and blog led her to become an influencer, which opened up doors to collaborate with other businesses, such as Ink Link Marketing, US Family Guide, and Vanity Fair. During this time, she discovered her passion for marketing and social media. She recently started a new chapter in her life by returning to school to pursue her graduate degree in English, specializing in Rhetoric and Composition. She also returned to working outside the home. She now works as a copywriter and social media coordinator for a publishing company. In her free time, you can find her spending time outdoors, searching for more chocolate or coffee, and finding new adventures to do with her family. Her greatest lesson she has learned as a mom is that time is precious and that there is always something new to learn from your kids.

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