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School may still be out for summer vacation, but Marshall County's educators are gearing up for the 2023-23 school year.
And to help the students get ready as well, Marshall County Schools is set to host a Back 2 School Fun Fair from 9 a.m. to noon July 26 at the Moundsville Center, located inside the wals of the former West Virginia Penitentiary, 818 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville.
Students in pre-K to 12th grade are welcome to attend the event. A parent must accompany them.
The free event provides students with many of the items needed to start a new school year off right including haircuts, health screenings, backpacks, school supplies and toiletries.
Students will also get the chance to win some prizes including tickets to Kennywood and a new bicycle. Students will also be treated to milk and doughnuts while attending the fair.
Susie Baker, founder of the fair and the school district's parent educator, said this year the fair will also be offering some food for students to take home as well such as macaroni and cheese and other items to stock their pantries before school starts.
"It's a hand-up. It's not everything," Baker said.
Baker said she started the fair 23 years ago because she recognized a need in the county. Baker said she grew up in a struggling household herself as her family had 12 children.
"I want people to know there are no income guidelines. There is no one there judging them," she said. "Anyone who needs it can come."
Baker said after starting the fair she knew it was helpful after a teacher told her it was their first time in 35 years in teaching that every student had what they needed to begin the school year.
"We started it to let families know we care. I grew up poor and know what it was like. I grew up in Wheeling and we used to say we were 'po' -- we were so poor that we couldn't afford the O and the R," she said.
Baker said businesses such as A&B Kia, Bayer Credit Union, Marshall County Credit Union and the Knights of Columbus all donate money to help make the fair happen. The school district also provides some money. And the barbers from First Impressions in Moundsville provide haircuts for free.
"They are the hardest working people at the fun fair," Baker noted. "They close their shop for the day and do it for nothing. They go above and beyond. They give hundreds of haircuts. They are nice, cute haircuts."
Baker estimates there will be at least 1,300 students who will attend the event.
The Marshall County Health Department will provide health screenings that include a scoliosis screening, dental check and head lice check. The Lions Club will provide eyesight checks.
Meanwhile, Marshall County residents still have the opportunity to get their free activity pass that can be used to enter Marshall County Schools' events this coming school year. This includes sporting events, such as football and basketball and more, theater and musical performances and more.
Superintendent Shelby Haines said during the recent board of education meeting that the district had made 900 passes during the past couple months.
A resident can get their pass made from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays in July at the Board of Education office, 214 Middle Grave Creek Road, Moundsville. The pass will include the person's photo. Proof of county residency is required.