Back to School Block Party to be held at Bell Tower Shops Aug. 3
The biggest back-to-school block party, free and open to the public, will be held this weekend in Fort Myers.
The Back-to-School Block Party, Get Ready to Roll for Straight A Safety, will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers.
Lee County School District spokesperson Rob Spicker said although they have had similar efforts in the past, this year they are putting an emphasis on safety.
“It was a big topic at the end of school last year. The drive was continued throughout the summer with benches and other efforts,” he said.
The Back to School Block Party will continue to provide educational material to make sure students are ready before they start school, that they hear that message — safety — before the first day of school, Aug. 12.
“We are excited to start the new school year and welcome our students back to campus,” Superintendent Dr. Greg Adkins said in a prepared statement. “The Back to School Block Party is the perfect way to get students excited but also remind them about ways to stay safe when they ride the bus. I look forward to seeing everyone there.”
The Block Party is being presented in partnership with Safe Kids Southwest Florida. The event will feature a “Safe-to-School” Safety Zone, interactive games, a bounce house, Way Too Tall Torrie, giveaways, music and a visit from Sheriff Carmine Marceno, School Resource Officers and Deputy Dogs.
“A lot of the SROs will be there to help with bus stop lessons,” he said, adding that the student will have the opportunity for a meet and greet with the SROs. “Every school has a SRO, some have two.”
The Safety Zone will help educate kindergarten through 12th grade students about safety by highlighting safety tips for pedestrians, bicyclists, bus stop and driving. Spicker said there will be a bike rodeo geared towards bike safety, as well as pedestrian safe walking exercises.
“It’s all geared towards safety and being safe,” he said.
Spicker said there will be bike helmet giveaways during the party.
“I encourage everyone to come on out and be a part of this and get excited and ready to go back to school,” he said, adding that teachers start orientation on Aug. 5. “We want to build up some positive momentum for the first day of class.”