Families waited in line in the hot sun Thursday morning to take advantage of a limited supply of free books, shoes and backpacks as they prepare for the new school year which begins today.
Hundreds of parents and their children attended the first annual “Back-to-School Bash” hosted by the Ceres Unified School District’s Student Services Department and the Family Resource Center. The line wrapped around the Lawrence Street frontage of property just west of the CUSD offices as the goodies were provided by donations and were offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We also partner with other local family resource centers and we network with them too because everybody else is also doing back-to-school events,” said Lillian Loera, administrative assistant in the Student Services Department. “Whatever they didn’t distribute, we’re able to access for our families. And we encourage families to give us your name if you still have a need.”
Approximately 100 families pre-registered to receive free haircuts for enrolled students through Flawless Hair Salon and Headquarters Barbershop.
Also offered was shaved ice, a balloon artist and other activities. Modesto Fire brought a fire engine for the children to tour.
Ceres Library Supervisor Rebecca Brown read a children’s book, animating the story and getting the children involved. The Ceres Library also donated children’s books to be given away.
Loera said parents had a chance to sign up for an imaginary library and receive free books.
Last week the two main high schools in Ceres held orientation sessions to distribute Chromebooks, textbooks, take photos for student ID cards, purchase ASB cards and other things.
The prospect of going back to school did not faze two who rested in the shade of a building at Central Valley High School during “Taking Flight” orientation in 104-degree heat Thursday.
“I’m pretty excited,” said Isaac Ramirez, a sophomore who explained that he is looking forward to playing football and get a spot on the track and wrestling teams.
Virginia Salinas, an incoming sophomore, said she is also excited for the new school year. She plans to participate in soccer and flag football.
The new school year starts with a new district superintendent. Denise Wickham retired on June 30, leaving the district in the hands of Amy Peterman.
Peterman is believed to be the first CUSD superintendent who is a product of the Ceres school system. Formerly named Amy Beaver, she attended Caswell Elementary and Mae Hensley Junior High before going onto Ceres High School where she graduated in 1991.
The Ceres Police Department is cautioning drivers to beware of the start of school and to be extremely careful, especially in the areas around Ceres’ numerous school campuses.
