LINC’s partner school districts are gathering their families and communities to summer festivals to launch the start of the 2019-2020 school year with games, school supplies and enrollment opportunities.

Kansas City Public Schools

KCPS is gearing up to help thousands of children and their families get ready for school while having a ton of fun during the 2019 Summerfest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Board of Education park, which is located at the intersection of 29th Street and Troost Avenue in Kansas City, Mo.

KCPS is projecting that about 5,000 kids and adults will attend its annual back-to-school event this year. Sponsored by the Kansas City Public Schools Education Foundation, Summerfest features free backpacks, school supplies and t-shirts for school-age children, plus lunch provided free-of-charge for everyone regardless of age. Families will be able to enjoy an 11 a.m. performance by renowned Kansas City children’s music performer Mr. Stinky Feet, plus soccer and basketball games, bounce houses, and fun, educational activities and crafts.

Because parking at the event will be at a premium, families are encouraged to take the free, roundtrip shuttles being provided by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA). The shuttles will run throughout the event starting at 9:30 a.m. from Northeast High School (415 Van Brunt Blvd.), Manual Career and Technical Center (1215 E. Truman Rd.), Central High School (3221 Indiana Ave.) and Southeast High School (3500 E. Meyer Blvd.).

An entire zone of Summerfest is devoted to promoting students and community health and wellness. Students can receive immunizations, asthma prevention and treatment information, hearing checks and athletic physicals.

Center School District

Center’s Back to School Bash will provide all students and parents a chance to meet their principals and engage with the Center community Aug. 3 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. at the high school, 8715 Holmes Road.

The bash will feature free food, giveaways, a live DJ, and more.

Registration opportunities will also be available during the event. Students and families have the chance to register and provide residency, as well as obtain any sports physicals or immunizations needed. Reminder to also bring checks or cash in order to purchase spirit wear and physicals while at the bash.

Hickman Mills School District

Hickman Mills is partnering with the Southside Kansas City Optimist Club in its Back to School Rally Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon. at the Optimist Hall, 11154 Blue Ridge Blvd.

The rally will cheer on fall athletes, feature a bounce house, and provide $1 hot dog and chips, and more.

There will be introductions to fall sports, student performances, music by DJ Joe and local vendors.

District patrons who participate in centralized enrollment can receive free book bags and supplies. For information on centralized enrollment and how to win and redeem prizes — including a chance to win an iPad — go to www.hickmanmills.org.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office Back to School Bash Aug. 10 is a countywide community event that promotes health, safety, and educational success. Attendees are able to obtain school supplies and other free resources. 5,000 backpacks with free school supplies (K-5) will be given away.

This event provides free resources to all students and families in Jackson County, MO. Families are able to set up for a successful school year without the burden of having to pay for everything. Attendees do not have to live in Jackson County.

The party is Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 19100 E. Valley View Parkway in Independence.