District 113A Educational Foundation Plans 'Back to School Fiesta'

The Educational Foundation will kick off the 2012-13 school year with a "Back to School Fiesta" for parents and students.

The on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at , 319 Front St. in Lemont.

“We wanted to do something that includes families, not just the adults,” Foundation President Mara Tunzi said in a press release. “We hope everyone will come out to have fun and reconnect before we all get busy with back to school activities.”

The fiesta will feature a kid-friendly Mexican buffet from Front Street Cantina, live music and karaoke from the Dancing Noodles, games and raffles.

“Many teachers and staff plan to attend, and the teachers provided the raffle prizes,which will include lots of special opportunities for students,” said Lisa Dian, who organized the event.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. They may be purchased through the Foundation website (SD113AFoundation.org), at Front Street Cantina, or from Foundation board members.

All ticket purchases include food and soft drinks, games and activities for children. There will also be a sundae bar available at an additional cost.

Guests are encouraged to bring new or gently used backpacks and school supplies to donate to local families in need. Anyone who brings supplies to Front Street Cantina before or during the event will receive a 10-percent discount coupon to use another day at the restaurant.

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All profits from the Back to School Fiesta will fund grants awarded to teachers and staff in District 113A.

The District 113A Educational Foundation was founded in May 2010 after the district cut more than $3.17 million in staff and programs. Its purpose is to provide financial resources beyond the operating budget, which students and teachers may use toward educational enrichment.

In February, the foundation's second annual Pre-Bowl Bash  for the district. In October 2011, more than $25,000 was raised during the organization's .

To date, the District 113A Educational Foundation has awarded more than $60,000 to teachers at ,  and  schools. Items purchased through grants include MP3 players for reading programs, MimioTeach systems, iPad2 devices, updated world maps, art supplies, books, magazine subscriptions and a license renewal for Brain Pop software.

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