FORT WORTH (KRLD) - Families started lining up before dawn for Tarrant County's "Back to School Roundup" Thursday. The fair moved from Will Rogers Memorial Center to Tarrant County College's South Campus.
"I can't speak for everybody, but I know this helps out a lot with certain families," said one woman near the front of the line with her kids. "The community giving to the community is a good thing to me."
"It's hot, but there's a breeze, so that's good," one girl said as she waited in line.
Volunteers were handing out water to people while they waited. Students were able to get physical and dental checkups, sports physicals, school supplies and haircuts.
"Learning starts the first day, and they need to have everything in place for that," says Mayor Betsy Price, who greeted students as they walked in. "Often, kids who don't have those physicals or their shots, it takes two weeks to get them done, and they miss two weeks of school."
Supplies and services were donated. Organizers say about 5,000 people registered, but registration was not required. They said up to 15,000 might attend.
"It's always an exciting time to see our kids, see the energy, to see their parents here partnering with them to make certain they've got what they need," Price says.
"Teaching and learning begin on the first day," says Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Kent Scribner. "The first day is not only about content and beginning the learning process, but it's also a great day for connection, for relationships. We want to not only support our students academically but also, in today's world, social and emotional learning are so very important, as well."
Scribner says teachers and staff at schools will be prepared to talk with kids who have questions about the shootings in El Paso and Dayton
"It's not only about the academic content, it's about social and emotional learning," he says. "We want our students to understand they're at a safe place."
Scribner says Fort Worth ISD is always reviewing security and making sure staff are trained to handle emergencies.
"We live in a very complex world, and schools are one of the most important places where students can receive that kind of support," he says.
