Nanakuli Back to School Bash offers fun way to prepare for classes

West-side youth can get ready for school with an event Friday in Nanakuli, as the Back to School Bash returns for a second year. The fair will feature low-cost haircuts, school supply giveaways, food and drink, and a stamp rally at Nanakuli Elementary School.

Organized by the school PTA and state Rep. Andria Tupola, the bash starts attendees off in the school office to get kids enrolled. “They will get a tote bag, a map of the fair and a stamp card,” she said. If they visit all the designated booths and get stamped, the completed cards can be entered for a chance to win a free book or other prizes.

There also will be a book swap, and books for sale starting at $5.

There are family-friendly activities such as children’s games in the cafeteria, set up as a pathway for participants to get their stamp cards filled. “We’re really trying to encourage parents to stay with the kids,” Tupola said.

An outdoor obstacle course will be set up, and vendors will offer items for sale, from jewelry and decals to edible goodies.

J&J Specialties, Ms. Lee’s Grinds, Kainoa’s Shave Ice and Tea Girls Hawaii will be on hand offering food and beverages for sale.

Food and drink will include frozen yogurt, plate lunches, hot dogs and more, at prices starting at $5.

Super Cuts will offer $10 haircuts from 1 to 5 p.m.

The bash is an inviting way to get kids registered and make a realistic estimate of area schools’ enrollment, Tupola said. This will also help the school to get accurate funding from the state Department of Education.

At this event, parents are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to register their children early for either Nanakuli or Ka Waihona elementary schools.

Last year’s event helped the schools avoid some last-minute surprise enrollments and the need to make late requests for additional student funding, she said.

The bash also gives community organizations a chance to give incoming students and their families information about entering school for the first time. For returning students, there will be back-to-school information on pedestrian and bicycling safety, health matters and more.

Organizations lending volunteers to the event include Walk Wise Hawaii, Partners in Development Foundation, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and the Hawaii Bicycling League.