LM Sept.2019

Bunker Hill CUSD#8Community-Wide “Back-to-School BASH2019”

By Todd Dugan, Superintendent, Bunker Hill CUSD #8

In Bunker Hill CUSD #8, we recognize that the week prior to school registration is a stressful time for families in arranging physicals, immunizations, dental and vision exams. That’s why our community tried a new approach this year. Dubbed the inaugural “Back to School Bash,” Bunker Hill CUSD #8 families and staff collaborated with local businesses, churches and organizations to host a community event assisting families with this stressful time. Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF) was on site providing free physicals, eye exams and vaccinations, while the Macoupin County Public Health Department scheduled dental exams for families. The local hair salon, the 618 Salon in Bunker Hill, provided haircuts, while the Shoe Carnival measured students’ feet to provide free brand-name tennis shoes for those who qualified for free or reduced lunches. The Bunker Hill Fire Department also grilled hot dogs, and local churches provided school supplies and backpacks filled with toiletry items,

like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and deodorant. The gym was filled with students playing games under the guidance of Bunker Hill Student Council members as a DJ played tunes and students enjoyed a donated photo booth Occurring simultaneously with walk-in registration, many families were able to benefit from the event, which not only alleviated the scheduling pressures and traveling to providers, but also helped ease the financial strain on the community’s working class families. At the end of the event, over 60 haircuts were provided free of charge, 60 bags of toiletries, 80 backpacks of school supplies, 86 pairs of shoes and hundreds of smiles were exchanged as Bunker Hill prepared students to head back to school.

Back toSchool Video Showcase

IASA asked superintendents to share videos and photos showing the creative ways districts across the state made the first day of school extra special this school year. This video is a compilation of all the videos and photos school districts submitted. Thank you to everyone who emailed us. More importantly, thank you for all you do to inspire students and staff and make them feel loved, supported and appreciated when they return to school.

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LM September 2019