Austin ISD Ready For Back To School With Summer Break Near Its End

AUSTIN, TX — It's almost time to go back to school for Austin ISD students after the long summer break, offering a measure of relief for parents and some degree of anticipation (one would hope) for the kiddos.

Parents: If you haven't carved out time to purchase back-to-school supplies yet, you might want to wait until the upcoming tax-free weekend from Aug. 11-13, when clothes and school supplies can be purchased free of sales tax. Click on the story below to find out exactly what merchandise qualifies as tax-free:

Texas Tax-Free Back-to-School Shopping Weekend: Date, What’s Exempt

There's plenty of sales scheduled prior to the return to school, tailored specifically for such needs. If you fancy a trip to the Hill Country with the kiddos, you might want to visit the Hill Country Galleria. Retailers will be participating in a sidewalk sale, and a scavenger hunt of sorts is planned but for gift cards. Learn more below:

Hill Country Galleria Poised For Big Back-To-School Sale On Texas Tax-Free Weekend

Don't worry that you're cutting it too close, as the first day at AISD schools is Aug. 21, as the district calendar shows. For a list of suggested elementary grade level supplies per campus, click here. For pre-K, parents/guardians should consult with the campuses.

While you're clothes shopping for back-to-school wardrobes, it might be good to refresh the memory on the district's dress code.

"All clothing should be appropriate to the student’s age, the school setting and weather conditions," district officials write on the district website. "Both students and parents share the responsibility for the student's attire because clothing often sets the pattern for behavior."

The bottom line: "Students are required to use good judgment, to respect themselves and others, and to demonstrate modesty in selecting attire," district officials write. To check on what type of garments are outright banned, click on the dress code guidelines.

Kids: Get ready for the Back to School Bash! On Aug. 12, Austin ISD, in collaboration with the city of Austin, will host its annual Back to School Bash and Safety Fair from 9 a.m. to noon at the Palmer Events Center.

If you're not quite motivated to get back to school, this should do the trick. Nearly 150 community organizations and district departments will be on hand to provide information and activities to prepare AISD students for a safe and successful school year. If transportation is an issue, Austin ISD will be providing free shuttles at locations throughout the city.

What's in store at Back to School Bash 2017:

• Presentations on safety and educational best practices will help prepare students and parents for the first day of school and beyond.
• Austin/Central Texas Care Van will provide free vaccinations (families must present student shot records).
• Free backpacks! Austin ISD students must be present to receive a free backpack filled with school supplies, while supplies last.
• Para información sobre el "Back to School Bash' en español, haga clic aquí. Es una celebración para el regreso a clase.

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