ECTOR COUNTY, Texas — Goodbye summer and hello to the new school year.
Jessica Brito is a social service specialist at the Ector County Independent School District Community Outreach Center, and also a parent to two students going to the 7th and 8th grade and she says they are sad just as much as they are excited.
"They're excited to see friends again, that's for sure," she said. "They're excited to be involved in everything, new school shopping, but what they're sad about [is] staying up late, not having homework and reading. Overall, I think they're pretty excited."
Ahead of the 2024-25 school year, Ector County ISD created their first ever Back to School Bash to get students and their parents excited about learning again.
Taylor Roy, ECISD's Executive Director of Guidance Counseling and Wellness, said throughout the school year they see students and families who are in need of services that they are not always aware are available. "We try to get out in front of the community and in front of families and the students to explain what resources we have, how they can access them and where to go looking for them."
That's how they created an event that puts a smile on everyone's face.
For the kids, there were fun snacks like popcorn and snow cones. For parents like Jessica, the sweetest treats were the numerous tools to set their kids up for success.
"Whether it be like for vaccinations, mental health, counseling with us," Brito said. "Uniforms, backpacks, even just in general registrations. I think that is going to be a big help for people."
Brito went on to explain that the registration process is completely online and some families are new to technology and may not know how to create an account or add a child.
"With just that basic information, that we're able to start them with and especially with the convenience of it being in English and in Spanish, it's a great help to our parents," she said.
With the first day of school right around the corner, everyone can agree on the best first step; ECISD parent and the center's service specialist Katerina Garcia urges parents to not "be scared to ask questions."
"If you know the school your child is going to call them, usually that's a first stop," Garcia said.
Britto added "even if it's something that we don't have the answer for right then and there, we can try and find it for you."
Roy said that if anything, do not be afraid to ask, because, "There's people in our community in need, and there's people willing to give and to support, and we hope to connect them with the correct resources."
With the help of free treats, fun games and plenty of resources, ECISD wants every kid to be excited to hit the books once again.