August 16, 2024 Pittsburgh Arlington Back to School Night Pittsburgh Arlington PreK-8 will host a Back to School Night event on Wednesday, Aug. 21. Learn More The event will help get students and their families excited about the new school year. Visitors will have the opportunity to: Meet their teacher See their classroom Enroll for the school year Take part in a school supplies giveaway Learn more about Pittsburgh Arlington The first day of school for grades 1-8 is Monday, Aug. 26, while kindergarten will start on Thursday, Aug. 29. The back-to-school night event will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 21.
August 12, 2024 Pittsburgh’s Back to School Bash Pittsburgh will host a Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 19 at Acriscure Stadium that will include backpack giveaways, food, and other activities. Learn More For its 12th annual event, the city has partnered with Pittsburgh Public Schools for the city’s largest back-to-school event. The event is aimed at preparing families for the first day of school. The back-to-school bash will include free stuffed book bags, food, haircuts and hairstyles, manicures, shoes, socks, and more. The in-person part of the event takes place in the FedEx Great Hall at Acrisure Stadium, located at 100 Art Rooney Ave. The drive-through portion takes place in Gold Lot 1A, located at 792 W. General Robinson St. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 19, and no preregistration is required. For more information, visit the event’s website.
August 6, 2024 Families, Early Childhood Educators Invited to Enter Chance to Win Back-to-School Kit Pennsylvania Promise for Children is inviting state families and friends of children to enter a chance to win a back-to-school kit. Learn More Pennsylvania families and friends of children – from birth to kindergarten age – as well as state early childhood educators can enter to win the kit. Each kit will contain a copy of the 2024 PA One Book, “Slug in Love” by Rachel Bright, as well as early learning materials for children. The deadline to enter is Aug. 30. Pennsylvania families or friends of a child, from birth to kindergarten age, can enter online. State childhood educators of children in the same age range can also now enter online. More Details Five winners in the family and friends category will be selected at random to win a copy of “Slug in Love” and early learning materials. The kit will also include a Crayola watercolor mixing set; a Charles Leonard glue stick; the book “A New Alphabet for Humanity: A Children’s Book of Alphabet Words to Inspire Compassion, Kindness, and Positivity” by Leesa McGregor; and David Elkind’s “The Power of Play: How Spontaneous, Imaginative Activities Lead to Happier, Healthier Children.” Five winners in the early childhood educator category will receive the same items as well as six books that cover topics relevant to that profession. Information on how to enter and other content rules can be found online.
July 27, 2023 Resources for August Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources for August observances: Month-Long Observances Summer Sun Safety Month CDC Shares Sun Safety Tips for Schools, Trying Together Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance, Trying Together Summer Safety Brochure, Allegheny County Health Department, Trying Together Sun Safety, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Be Safe in the Sun, American Cancer Society Sun Protection, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Sun Protection Tips for Those with Black and Brown Skin, Boston University Sun Safety and Prevention, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) August is National Immunization Awareness Month, Trying Together National Immunization Awareness Month, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recommended Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Parent-Friendly Version, Birth through 6 Years, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccines for Your Children By Age, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Spanish / Español Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month National Center Releases Guide on Children’s Eye Health, Trying Together An Eye Health Information Tool Kit for Parents and Caregivers, National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health Eye Health and Safety for Kids, National Eye Institute (NEI) Get Free or Low-Cost Eye Care For Children, National Eye Institute (NEI) Eye Conditions and Diseases, National Eye Institute (NEI) Spanish / Español 6 Ways to Be Proactive About Your Child’s Eye Health, John Hopkins Medicine Keep an Eye on Your Child’s Vision, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources for Parents of Blind and Low-Vision Children, Library of Congress: National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled Parenting Without Sight: What Attorneys and Social Workers Should Know About Blindness, National Federation of the Blind How to Get Free Audio Books for the Blind and Visually Impaired, The Braille Institute 25+ Children’s Books Featuring Visually Impaired Characters, WonderBaby Back to School Month Allegheny Child Care What is Allegheny Child Care? 2023-2024 Kindergarten Registration Information, Trying Together Top 10 Skills for Children Entering Kindergarten, Trying Together Your Child is Going to Kindergarten: Family Guide (ECLKC), Trying Together Kindergarten Transition: A Guide for Families, Trying Together National Breastfeeding Month Breastfeeding Resources, Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh, Trying Together Breastfeeding Classes August is National Breastfeeding Month: This is Our Why, U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) Lactation Support, Healthy Start Center for Urban Breastfeeding (HSCUB) Breastfeeding, Kids Plus Pediatrics Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle (PBBC) Breast Feeding Resources, Birth Doulas of Pittsburgh Weeks of Recognition August 6 – 12 is Exercise with Your Child Week Childhood Physical Health: Resources, Trying Together Play and Physical Activity Guide for Educators & Families, Trying Together Supporting Childhood Physical Health: A Guide for Families: The Importance of Exercise, Trying Together Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Trying Together Air Quality Tips and Training Available for Families and Educators, Trying Together Physical Education Vocabulary for Kids, Trying Together Resources for Supporting Physical Activity, Nutrition, Play and More, Action for Healthy Kids Promoting the Physical Health of Boys (and Girls), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Days of Recognition August 1 is National Night Out (NNO) National Night Out Returns to Pittsburgh, Trying Together City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety About National Night Out National Night Out Resources August 9 is National Book Lovers Day Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Releases 2023 Best Books for Babies List, Trying Together Toolkit: Families and Schools Partnering for Children’s Literacy Success, Trying Together 2023 Virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip, Trying Together Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together Books to Celebrate Gender Expression, Inclusion, and Pride, Trying Together Children’s Books About Transitions, Trying Together Children’s Books About Mental Health, Trying Together Restaurants Add Books to the Menu with Summer Reading Programs, Trying Together August 15 is National Back To School Prep Day 2023-2024 Kindergarten Registration Information, Trying Together 101 Back-to-School Tips for Parents and Kids, Care.com Back-to-School Tips, HealthyChildren.org 10 Considerations Before Going Back to School as a Parent, Parents Magazine August 26 is Women’s Equality Day Family Guide: Gender and Gender Identity, Trying Together Women’s Equality Day, The National Women’s History Alliance Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) The Pittsburgh Women’s Alliance Women’s Issues Support Groups in Pittsburgh, Psychology Today The Women and Girls Foundation
August 31, 2022 Taking the Stress Out of Back-To-School: For Parents The Child Mind Institute recognizes that the new school year can bring new challenges for parents and educators alike. Parents play an important role in building a positive learning support at home through being responsive to children’s learning challenges or behavioral problems. Register Here About the Event The Child Mind Institute will be hosting a virtual session on Helping Your Child Manage Back-to-School Stress. This hour-long call with expert clinicians will help parents learn how to use reinforcement and validation to support children in managing their anxiety. Specific coping strategies will be shared, along with information about how to tell when to seek professional support. This event will take place on Wednesday, September 14 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will be hosted by Katie Peinovich, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker for the School and Community Programs team at the Child Mind Institute. Ms. Peinovich provides evidence-based trauma treatment to children in the New York City public school system and works with parents, teachers and school administrators to deepen their understanding of childhood trauma, its impact, and how to connect affected children with high quality care. Participants must pre-register for this webinar and will receive an invitation to their email.
Taking the Stress Out of Back-To-School: For Educators The Child Mind Institute recognizes that the new school year can bring new challenges for parents and educators alike. Educators play an important role in building a positive learning environment and supporting children when they experience learning challenges or behavioral problems. Register Here About the Event The Child Mind Institute will be hosting a virtual session on Building Successful Students: How we can sharpen our skills to build a better learning environment. This hour-long call with expert clinicians. Start the year off with proactive strategies to set you and your students up for success and also discover ways to promote a positive learning environment, prioritize the student-teacher relationship, and foster student engagement and motivation. This event will take place on Wednesday, September 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will be hosted by Angela Moyer MS, CAS, NCSP, a nationally certified school psychologist for the School and Community Programs team at the Child Mind Institute. Ms. Moyer has a decade of experience working in diverse communities across the Northeast and Midwest. As an advocate of social justice, Ms. Moyer works to empower marginalized families and communities by promoting the educational rights, opportunities and well-being of all children. Participants must pre-register for this webinar and will receive an invitation to their email.
August 1, 2022 Local Kindergarten Transition & Back to School Programming Summer is almost coming to an end and children are getting ready to head back to school. To help with the transition, local community organizations and family centers are offering fun programming that makes this time special, informative, and exciting. Local Events Latino Community Center (LCC) Back to School Bash – Saturday, August 6 from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Each year, LCC hosts an annual Back-to-School Bash in partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates for Latinx children and youth in Pittsburgh. This event serves over 200 students each year and features a day of fun, family-oriented activities at PNC Park designed to get our children and youth excited to start the upcoming school year. Backpacks filled with new school supplies are handed out to students during the day. Additionally, LCC’s extensive network of partner organizations come together to table at the event and talk to our families about their services – ensuring families have everything they need to support their children during the school year. Plum Library Kindergarten Bootcamp – Monday, August 8 and Tuesday, August 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Plum Borough Community Library will offer a wide range of fun activities for children entering kindergarten. They will review kindergarten concepts such as the alphabet, numbers, colors, and shapes while practicing social-emotional skills like sharing, lining up, transitioning, and group work. Each day will offer circle time, reading a book together, math activities, and learning stations based on various themes. Register online as space is limited. Children are asked to attend both days if registered. North Hills Community Outreach Back to School Supplies Distribution – Multiple Dates Every summer, NHCO collects new backpacks and school supplies to distribute to hundreds of local children. NHCO will distribute supplies for students preschool through high school. If you would like to arrange a pickup, please contact: Vicki Burstynowicz Locations: Greenstone United Methodist Church, 939 California Ave, Pittsburgh, PA Monday, August 8 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. NHCO Millvale, 416 Lincoln Ave Millvale, PA Thursday, August 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. NHCO Headquarters, 1975 Ferguson Road Allison Park, PA Tuesday, August 16 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh: Kindergarten: Here I Come! – Saturday, August 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Children’s Museum is bringing back their 16th annual kindergarten readiness celebration, Kindergarten: Here I Come! Children entering kindergarten in the fall can experience a day full of fun activities, resources and learning from Children’s Museum staff and partners from around the city featuring: a real school bus, back-to-school giveaways, resources for parents on topics such as vaccination, healthy nutrition and more. This event is free for one rising kindergarten student and one accompanying adult. Additional attendees can attend with $8 admission. Carnegie Science Center: Kinder Kickoff Event – Friday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early learners entering Kindergarten are invited to Carnegie Science Center for their annual Kinder Kickoff Event to receive school supply bags, their very own Science Center lab coat, and other supplies to get them ready for the school year. In addition to the items, early learners and one adult will receive complimentary general admission (first come, first serve) to enjoy additional science demos and other programming. Salvation Army Back to School Bash – Saturday, August 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army is accepting reservations for the annual Back to School Bash at the Salvation Army Center located at 917 Brackenridge Ave, Brackenridge. Children must live in the following zip code areas to attend: 15006, 15014, 15030, 15032, 15049, 15065, 15075, 15076, 15084 and 15238 and must attend the event to receive a backpack. Reservations are required. For reservations, call 724-224-6310, ext. 1 or stop in at the center. No reservations will be accepted the day of the event. PAAR Back to School Wellness Event – Sunday, August 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Child and Family Counseling Center (CFCC) and PAAR are partnering with local Pittsburgh businesses to provide students with what they need to start this school year feeling confident. Get school supplies while having fun by enjoying treats, giveaways, and activities that empower students to stay well throughout the school year. This event and all giveaways are all free. For more information, please call PAAR at 412-431-5665. Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) Back to School Event – Monday, August 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Every year, PPS welcomes thousands of families to an event designed to equip families with the resources necessary to achieve a healthy start to the 2022-2023 school year. Presented by PNC, #PittsburghForPPS is open to all current Pittsburgh Public School students and will take place in the North Shore at Gold Lot 1 (W. General Robinson Street) and Acrisure Stadium. Families can participate in the event in three ways: Drive Through: Family can drive through Gold Lot 1A to pick up stuffed bookbags, food, masks, hand sanitizer, books, and more! In person: Pre-registration is required. Families who would like to receive a free haircut, hairstyle, and/or manicure are invited to park and visit the FedEx Great Hall at Acrisure Stadium for those amenities. Families are invited to up stuffed bookbags, food, masks, hand sanitizer, books after hair and nail care services. Bus stop drop off: Beginning at noon, families can visit one of 15 bus stops across the city to pick up stuffed book bags while supplies last. The Kingsley Association’s Back-to-School Summer Jam – Friday, August 26 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Kingsley Association has teamed up with a host of community partners to host their Back-to-School Summer Jam! They’ll be hosting backpack giveaways, activities, and raffles for youth and families alike. Join them at 100 Larimer Avenue for bounce houses, on-site barbers and hairdresseres, music, an arcade truck, and more!
July 9, 2019 Back-to-School Bash Join the Latino Community Center on August 24 for their Back to School Bash at PNC Park! About The Back-to-School Bash is a great opportunity for both parents and providers! For parents, celebrate the day with your children and enjoy live music, activities, and food while learning about programs available in your region! For providers, enjoy the day while connecting with the Latino community! Activities The event will feature: a book bag and school supply giveaway, children’s activities, a DJ, a meet and greet with the Pirates, a taco bar, and more! Learn More To learn more and ask questions, email Emily Blair at eblair@latinocommunitycenter.org. Interested in hosting a table at the event? Click here to register.
