Clarke Schools will hold their 3rd annual Back to School Wellness Fair this Thursday, August 12, from 4-7pm in the Clarke Elementary Gym. This event is an opportunity for students and their families to learn about resources and services available, ranging from dental, vision, and hearing screenings to mental health and financial literacy information, as well as free school supplies, haircuts, and much more.
“This Back to School Fair is a way to show the student as a whole and encourage supporting the whole child,” said Becca Kedley, Elementary School Assistant Principal. “We’ll have multiple components at work ranging from supplies to health screenings. In the past, we’ve had a really good turnout and people are incredibly appreciative of it.”
Along with a generous $2000 donation from the Clarke County Development Corporation, these businesses have helped to make this year’s event possible:
- Walmart
- Saylor Realty
- Hunsicker & Associates
- Highway Lumber
- The Grassroots Home
- Lakeside Hotel & Casino
- Clarke Electric
- Great Western Bank
- Evergreen Inn
- Chiropractic 1st
- O’Hair Family Farms
Several organizations and businesses are also generously donating their time and talents to this event and will have booths set up to provide information and services free of charge:
- Clarke County Hospital
- Sola Salon Studios / Erin Blakely
- The Next Page Salon / Bailey Page
- Marsha Catron Grandstaff
- Crisis and Intervention Advocacy
- Parents as Teachers
- Marion Public Health
- Clarke County Public Health
- Osceola Public Library
- First National Bank
- American State Bank
- Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa
- Child Abuse Prevention
- CROSS Region
“The CCDC has historically made a yearly $500 donation to this cause, but our budget allows for a little bit more and we’re happy to help,” said Bill Trickey, Executive Director for CCDC. “Becca and her team work so hard to serve the students in this community. We wanted to ensure they have what they need to give the students what they need.”
A car seat safety check will be available from 4PM to 6PM. All events start at 4pm on Thursday the 12th and will go until 7pm or until all students and their families have been taken care of. Attendees should enter the Elementary building on the South side, Entrance 5. While masks are not required, they are strongly encouraged.