As the 2017 summer winds down, the 9th Ward will be getting students and their parents prepared for the new school year at its annual “Back to School Picnic and Health Fair” hosted by Alderman Beale and the Chicago Park District. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 from 12 Noon to 3 p.m., at Palmer Park, 201 East 111th Street.
Thanks to the generosity of the 9th Ward’s community partners, all residents attending the event with their school-age children will be eligible to receive a free book bag filled with enough school supplies to get them ready for the new school year. In addition to the book bags, everyone attending the event is also entitled to receive a free health care screening and information on preventive care from community health care providers.
Making its first appearance this year will be the online learning playground brought by The Chicago City of Learning’s (CCOL) Mobile Design Lab. The Mobile Design Lab will provide an opportunity for children and young adults to explore the digital world and to learn how to code, the language in which computers are instructed to execute programs, while enhancing their computer and technology skills. The CCOL van comes equipped with laptop computers, tablets and wireless connectivity operated by the DePaul University’s Digital Youth Network. Mentors accompanying the van will assist and provide computer and coding instruction and training.
“By teaming up with the community partners like the Digital Youth Network we can help give more people a unique opportunity to hone the digital skills and literacy they will need for college and a career,” said 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale.
Lunch will be provided for everyone and the internationally known Jesse White Tumbling Team and DJ Mark will provide the entertainment. Kids will be treated to face-painting, games, prizes and much more. And to help children get really excited for the start of the new school year, the Adrenaline Rush Obstacle Course and Titanic Slide will also be part of the fun.