Back to School… Already?! The Guide We All Need

🎒✂️📚 Welcome to the 2024 Back to School Guide for River Valley Families! 🚌👟📓

It’s that time again — the lunchboxes are coming out of storage, school supply lists are popping up, and the countdown to the first day of school is officially on!

Whether you're a seasoned pro or sending a little one off for the very first time, this guide is packed with everything River Valley families need to make the back-to-school season smooth, fun, and just a little less stressful.

Inside you’ll find:
✅ Where to shop for school clothes, shoes, and supplies
✅ Places offering fresh haircuts for first-day photos
✅ Local after-school programs and activities to keep kids learning and growing
✅ A full list of back-to-school events happening across the River Valley
✅ A special section all about the First Day of School — with helpful tips, printables, and memory-making ideas

We’ve gathered all the essentials in one place so you can spend less time scrambling and more time soaking up those last sweet days of summer.

Let’s make this school year the best one yet!

👕👟 Time to Dress for Success (and Recess!) 🎒💫

Back-to-school means one thing for growing kids: new clothes, new sizes, and somehow... missing shoes! Whether your kiddo is all about the latest trends or just needs comfy basics to make it through the day, we’ve rounded up the best local spots to grab school uniforms, stylish outfits, shoes, backpacks, and more — all without breaking the bank.

From budget-friendly finds to boutique favorites, this section has everything you need to send them back in style — and maybe even snag a few deals while you're at it!

Because nothing says "ready for the first day" like a fresh outfit and a confident smile. 😎🚌

👕👟 Clothes, Shoes & Everything They’ll Outgrow in 6 Months 😅
Back-to-school season = closet cleanouts and shopping sprees (hopefully without the full-price sting). That’s why I always make Growing Kids my first stop when it’s time to fill my kids’ closets for the season!

🎉 Growing Kids Consignment Sale
📍 Kay Rogers Park - Fort Smith, AR — Serving local families for over 20 years!

This twice-a-year consignment event is a local favorite for a reason. You’ll find gently-used clothing, shoes, toys, and gear at a fraction of retail prices. Whether you’re shopping or consigning, it’s a total win:

✔️ Huge selection of name brand & boutique styles
✔️ One-stop shop for kids’ clothes, shoes, toys, books & more
✔️ Earn cash by consigning your gently-loved items
✔️ Skip the yard sale stress — no waiting around for things to sell!

💬 Personally, I’ve been both a shopper and consignor with Growing Kids for nearly 20 years — it’s hands-down my go-to for stocking up each season!

📅 Fall dates are September 4th-6th and consigner signups are underway. Get ready to clean out, cash in, and score the best deals in town! 

👉 http://www.growingkidssale.com/

#GrowingKidsConsignment #FortSmithMoms #BackToSchoolDeals #KidClothesOnABudget #ClosetRefresh

New Year, New Hair! 📓💈

As summer winds down and backpacks start filling up, it’s time to freshen up those locks for a brand-new school year! 💇‍♂️✂️ Whether it's a quick trim for picture day or a whole new style to kick off the season with confidence, back-to-school haircuts are the perfect way for the whole family to reset and shine. From toddlers to teens—and even parents—make it a fun family tradition that gets everyone looking and feeling their best! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💇‍♀️🎒

Back-to-School Minis & Senior Smiles 😊📸

It’s that time of year—new classes, new goals, and the perfect chance to capture it all! 🍎📸 Whether you're looking for adorable Back-to-School Minis to mark the start of the school year or stunning Senior Portraits that celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime milestone, now is the moment to book your session. From preschoolers with oversized backpacks to confident seniors ready to take on the world, we’ll create photos you’ll treasure forever. Let’s make this school year picture perfect! 🎓✏️✨

  School’s Out, Let’s Play! 

The school day doesn’t have to end at 3 p.m.—that’s when the fun begins! Whether your child loves sports, music, art, theater, or STEM, there’s something exciting happening after the bell rings.

This section is packed with local after-school programs designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and burn off that after-school energy. From karate kicks to piano picks, we’ve gathered a variety of options to help your child discover a new passion—or dive deeper into one they already love!

Scroll through and find the perfect fit for your family’s schedule and your kiddo’s interests! 💫

  Platinum Vibes Only!  

If you're looking for energy, excellence, and a whole lot of sparkle, look no further than Platinum Cheer Company in Fort Smith, AR! ✨ This elite cheer program is more than just stunts and spirit—it’s a place where athletes become family and champions are built from the ground up.

Whether your child is just starting out or aiming to compete at a high level, PCC offers top-tier training in tumbling, stunting, and performance—all led by passionate, experienced coaches. From tiny tots to all-star elites, every athlete is empowered to grow in confidence, strength, and teamwork. 💪

🌟 Why Families Love Platinum:

✅ A safe, uplifting environment
✅ Focus on individual growth
✅ A reputation for excellence in competition
✅ Classes for all ages & skill levels

🎉 CheerAbilities – Where Every Athlete Shines!

Platinum’s CheerAbilities team welcomes athletes ages 5–18 with a wide range of differences and limitations, offering them the full All-Star cheerleading experience. From tumbling to stunting to performing in front of a cheering crowd, these athletes will build confidence, joy, and lifelong memories.

📣 Their choreographed routines include:
~ Creativity & jumps
~ Tumbling & motions
~ Stunting/building skills
~ Dance, transitions, and formations

💖 Every move is built around inclusion, excitement, and empowerment!

💃 Platinum Pom/Dance Team – Passion in Motion!

PCC’s Pom/Dance Team is perfect for athletes who love music, movement, and performance! These dancers train in precision, rhythm, and expression—combining cheer-style energy with dance team technique.

🎶 Expect training in:

• Pom & jazz fundamentals
• Synchronization & musicality
• Performance skills for stage & sidelines

Perfect for those who want to sparkle in shows, parades, pep rallies, and more!

💬 Ready to join the #PlatinumFam?
Visit their official site or stop by for a tour of the gym—come see what sets Platinum apart!

click here for more info  Platinum Cheer Company

🎀 Let’s go Platinum!
Where passion meets performance, and the spotlight is always on heart. 💖

🎒✨ Back to School, Back to Fun!

As the first day of school gets closer, our community is buzzing with excitement—and plenty of events to help families get prepared and celebrate the season! From supply giveaways and health checkups to outdoor festivals and local market days, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out these awesome back-to-school happenings around town and make the countdown to class a little more fun (and a lot more memorable)! 📚🎈🚌

Back to School Shopping Extravaganza

Central Mall, Fort Smith

August 1st-3rd

Future School of Fort Smith - Back to School Bash and Open Enrollment

Future School of Fort Smith

August 2nd, 11am-1pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Panama Back to School Craft Fair

Panama Baptist Church

August 2nd 9am-3pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Back 2 School Shoe Giveaway

Mulberry, AR

August 2nd, 10am-1pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Back to School Roundup

Sallisaw Rodeo Grounds

August 2nd, 10am-12pm

Back to School Block Party

9th Street Baptist Church, Fort Smith

August 2nd,10am-2pm

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Back to School Bash - Chester

Chester, AR

August 2nd, 4pm-7pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Salon Adorn Back to School Event

Salon Adorn, Fort Smith

August 3rd, 8am-8pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Back to School Bash - Drive Through Event

First Baptist Church Van Buren

August 4th, 6pm-8pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Back to School Bash - Boys and Girls Clubs of the Diamond Hills

Alma, AR

August 4th, 3pm-7pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Free Back to School Haircuts

Pretty Boy Floyd's and Charlie's Barbershop

Poteau

August 4th, 5th, and 6th 9am-5pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Cedarville Open House and Back to School Bash

Cedarville Elementary School

August 7th, 5pm-7pm

CLICK FOR MORE INFO

Shine Outreach

Fall Giveaway & Free Haircuts

August 9th, 11am-3pm

Natural Dam, AR

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Back to School Giveaway - Community Bible North

Shoes Backpacks School Supplies

Jeffrey-Glidewell Boys and Girls Club

August 9th, 9am-12pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Back to School Bash in Old Town Van Buren

Van Buren, AR

August 9th, 10am-8pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Back-to-School: Braids & Fades Giveaway

Westark Barber College, Fort Smith

August 10th, 10am-6pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Back to School Swim Party

Creekmore Park

August 10th, 5:30pm-7:30pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

Back to School Bash: MackMazing Acres

Spiro

August 23rd, 10am-1pm

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO

🎉 Say goodbye to homework headaches and hello to confident learners!
Welcome to Knowledge Charged Tutoring– Fort Smith’s go-to spot for energized, effective academic support! ⚡📖

Founded by local educator and passionate parent Kelli Cole, KC Tutoring was created with heart and purpose—to give kids the tools they need to THRIVE, especially those with dyslexia, learning delays, and processing challenges. 💪💙

At KC Tutoring, your child gets:
✅ Certified, compassionate instructors
✅ Research-backed methods like Orton-Gillingham & Barton Reading
✅ Personalized learning that builds skills, confidence, and smiles!

🌟 Ages 4–15 welcome! Whether it’s reading, writing, or simply catching up, we’ll meet them where they are and help them grow!

📍5615 Steephill Road, Fort Smith, AR 72916
📞 (918) 280-9183
📧 brittwood@knowledgecharged.com
🖱️ www.knowledgecharged.com

💬 Ready to light up learning? Let’s charge up that confidence and make school success happen—one session at a time! ⚡🎓

Text Ya Later: AR & OK Schools Say No to Phones in Class📵 Arkansas 

"Bell to Bell, No Cell Act" (Act 122)

• Law enacted: Signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in February 2025.
• Effective start: School year 2025–2026 (beginning mid‑August 2025).
• Scope: Applies to all public school grades – cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, laptops during the entire school day.
• Allowances: Exceptions only for emergencies or students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or medical needs.
• Implementation: Districts must publish their written device policy online and plan local enforcement strategies. Some, like Bentonville and Rogers schools, are requiring devices to be stored in lockers or classrooms—even during lunch and between classes.

📵 Oklahoma — Senate Bill 139 (Cell Phones Off All Day)

• Law enacted: Signed by Governor Kevin Stitt in May 2025.

• Duration: Mandatory statewide one-year ban for 2025–2026 school year. After that, districts may opt out or continue.
• Scope: Includes cell phones and other personal electronic devices (smartwatches, tablets, smart headphones/glasses). Use is prohibited from first bell to dismissal.
• Exceptions: Allowed in emergencies or medical situations; school-issued devices or teacher-approved tech are still permitted.
• Enforcement: School boards must adopt official policies including disciplinary protocols. In‑school suspension, detention, warning calls home, or privileges revocation—not suspensions out of school—for violations.

🔍 Arkansas vs. Oklahoma: Quick Comparison

ℹ️ Key Takeaways for Parents & Educators

• Both states now enforce statewide bans on personal device use during the school day, starting in 2025–26.
• Those apply from the first to the last bell, not just during class hours.
• Medical and emergency needs are exceptions, as well as IEP accommodations.
• Districts must adopt and publicize policies—sometimes differing in details like device storage or lunchtime rules.
• In Oklahoma, after the 2025–26 school year, districts can choose to continue, modify, or lift the policy.
• In Arkansas, the law is permanent, though districts implement enforcement in ways that suit their schools.

First Day Countdown: Who Starts When? ⏳📆

⭐ August 7

• Spiro Public Schools (Spiro, OK)
  • First Day: Aug 7th
  • Spiro Lower Elementary Parent Orientation: August 5th @ 4:30 in the cafeteria
  • Open House: Tuesday, August 5th 4-6PM
• Poteau Public Schools (Poteau, OK)
  • First Day: Aug 7, PreK begins August 13th
  • Meet the Teacher: August 5th, 3:30-6:30PM

⭐ August 11

• Greenwood Public Schools (Greenwood, AR) – First Day: Aug 11, Kindergarten and 1st graders have start dates broken up over a few days. Check the school's website for more specific information.
  • Orientation Starts August 4th
• Hackett Elementary School (Hackett, AR) – First Day: Aug 11
• Cedarville Public Schools (Cedarville, AR) – First Day: Aug 11
• Mountainburg Public Schools (Mountainburg, AR) – First Day: Aug 11
  • This link has lots of good Mountainburg School information.

⭐ August 13

• Fort Smith Public Schools (Fort Smith, AR) – First Day: Aug 13
  • Southside Open House: August 11th, 5:30-7:30PM
  • Northside Open House: August 11th, 5:30-7:00PM
  • Orr Learning Academy Open House: August 11th, 5:00-7:00PM
  • Ramsey Middle School Open House: August 5th, 5:30-7:00PM
  • Kimmons Middle School Open House: August 5th, 5:30-7:30PM
  • Darby Middle School Open House: August 5th, 5:30-7:00PM
  • Chaffin Middle School Open House: August 5th, 6th grade 6:00-8:00PM, 7th/8th grade 5:00-7:00PM
  • All FSPS Elementary Open Houses: August 11th, 5:00-6:30PM
• Barling Elementary (Barling, AR) – First Day: Aug 13
• Charleston Public Schools (Charleston, AR) – First Day: Aug 13
  • Open House: August 7th 
    • Elementary School: 5:15
    • Middle School and High School: 5:30
  • More Back to School information
• Van Buren Public Schools (Van Buren, AR) – First Day: Aug 13
  • VB High School Open House: August 4th, 5-8PM
  • VB Freshman Academy Open. House: August 4th, 5-8PM
  • VB Middle School: August 7th (see school website for specific time based on last name and grade)
  • VB Elementary: August 5th (see school website for specific time based on last name and grade)
• Alma Public Schools (Alma, AR) – First Day: Aug 13
  • Open House: August 7th, 3:30-6:30PM
  • Great Start: 3rd,6th, and 9th grades

⭐ August 14

• Panama Public Schools (Panama, OK)
  • Meet the Teacher Night: August 12th, 5:00-6:30PM
• Sallisaw Public Schools (Sallisaw, OK)
• Roland Public Schools (Roland, OK)
  • Back to School Open House: August 12th, 6:00-8:00PM
• Muldrow Public Schools (Muldrow, OK)
  • Meet the Teacher Night: August 11th, 4:00PM-7:00PM

⭐ August 18

• Lavaca Public Schools (Lavaca, AR)
  • 1st-4th Grades Open House: August 11th, 6:00-7:30PM
  • Seniors Open House: August 12th: 5:00-7:00PM
  • Kindergarten Open House: August 12th, 6:00-7:30PM
  • Juniors, Sophomore, and Freshmen Open House: August 14th, 5:00-7:00PM
  • Middle School: August 14th, 6:00PM

✅ How to Stay Informed

• Visit your district’s official website or social media pages, especially in July and early August.
• Check your child’s specific school page for open house dates and supply list downloads.
• Contact the school office directly if information is not available online.

🎒📸 Cue the Chaos (and the Cute Pics) – School’s Back! ✏️🍎🚌

Whether it’s your little one’s very first day of preschool or your teen’s final year of high school, this season brings fresh starts, big milestones, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.

🚌 Make It Special:
Why not start a fun back-to-school tradition this year? Some ideas:

• A special breakfast or dinner the night before school starts
• A “last day of summer” photo shoot or memory jar
• Handwritten lunchbox notes for the first week
• A “first day of school” sidewalk chalk message

📸 Post Smart, Stay Safe:
We love seeing those adorable first-day-of-school photos, but here are a few quick safety tips before you hit “share”:

• Avoid posting your child’s school name, grade, teacher, or location.
• Leave out visible bus numbers or addresses.
• Share with trusted friends/family only when possible (check your privacy settings!).

From our Macaroni KID Fort Smith family to yours — here’s to a year full of learning, laughter, and new memories. You've got this!

💛 Happy Back-to-School, River Valley!

🎒📚 Back to School = Back to Business

Let BookSmart get your books as organized as your kids’ backpacks.

As the school year kicks off, it’s the perfect time to give your finances a clean slate. Whether you're catching up or staying ahead, BookSmart is here to help you fall into good habits—and out of financial stress. 🍁

Here’s your BookSmart Back-to-Books Checklist:
✅ Reconcile bank & credit card accounts
✅ Sort and store receipts & expenses
✅ Review your Q3 budget goals
✅ Get ahead of year-end tax prep
✅ Not sure where to begin? We’ve got your back.

💡 From tidy reports to time-saving systems, BookSmart keeps your business balanced so you can focus on what matters most—running your business like a pro.

🎯 Because your numbers should be as crisp as the fall air.
📩 Let's get started—email us or book a consult today!