Students can take part in practice bus run
On Sept. 2, Spokane Public Schools in conjunction with school bus contractor Laidlaw Transportation will be holding a voluntary practice bus run for students of the three schools who will be attending “host” schools during the construction of their elementary school (Lidgerwood, Lincoln Heights and Ridgeview).
The entire exercise, including a pickup at the bus stop, ride to the host school and return to their bus stop should last approximately an hour.
Parents of students who will be attending those schools should have received a newsletter in the mail from the school district by Saturday. The newsletter lists the time and place of the pickup and drop-off, both for the practice run and the first day of school Sept. 6.
Parents and guardians were originally notified of the host school their student will be attending in newsletters sent home with students last spring.
The purpose of the run is to familiarize the students with the location of their bus stops, as well as bus safety procedures.
It may also be the first time that students have a chance to see their temporary school while their school is under construction.
For questions regarding the practice bus run, or any of the ongoing construction in Spokane Public Schools, call the capital projects office at 354-5775.
Free school supplies available
Purchasing school supplies can be a struggle for low-income families. Here are a few outlets where parents can get free items.
•The Mission Community Outreach Center will have school supplies that have been donated by individuals and board members throughout the summer. The center will have supplies available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the center.
This program is ZIP code specific, and you may need to contact the office at 536-1084 to see if you are eligible.
•Campfire’s “Kids Helping Kids” program will be distributing school supplies through Friday.
This is the 11th year for the program in which children and parents collect donations from area businesses for school supplies for those in need.
Parents can call 747-6191 to see if they are eligible for the program.
•The Northeast Youth Center, located in the Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook St., is also helping area kids with school supplies.
The Youth Center will be distributing supplies that have been donated by Tomlinson Black and Hollister/Stier on Monday and Tuesday. Parents should contact the NEYC by calling 482-0708.