AQ Chicken House | Springdale Tradition Returns
Northwest Arkansas is buzzing, or maybe squawking, with two familiar...
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Summer always seems to go by so quickly, but we still managed to cross off quite a few items from our ultimate summer bucket list. From lazy days at the lake to continuing our quest to visit 52 state parks, we’ve embraced every moment of sunshine and freedom. But the inevitable has come: school is starting back. It’s a bittersweet time, filled with the anticipation of new beginnings and the sadness of saying goodbye to our carefree summer days. To ease this transition and make it a celebration, we plan to ring in the new school year with a Back-to-School Bash.
My house is home to two schoolteachers and one soon-to-be fourth grader. The new school year is a huge transition after a lot of family time together, and a certain level of stress and anxiety comes from this major shift in our everyday schedule. There is some excitement about the new year, some sadness about the end of unlimited free time, and a bit of nervousness over what the new year may bring. Having a party at the end of the first week back has become a tradition that motivates us through that tough first week back.
Whether you’re gathering with classmates, neighborhood friends, or just your family, a back-to-school celebration is a fantastic way to get everyone excited for the new school year. No matter if you have little ones in elementary school, teenagers in high school, or college buddies, here are some tips to make your back-to-school bash a smashing success.
1. Theme and Decorations
Let’s be honest, we’re all exhausted at the end of the first week of school, so I don’t typically go all out with decor. If you can’t pass up an opportunity to decorate, consider themes like “School Spirit,” where everyone wears their school colors, “Future Career Day,” where kids dress up as what they want to be when they grow up or a simple “Back to School” theme.
Once you’ve picked a theme, the decorations will fall into place. Think school-related items like chalkboards, globes, and stacks of books. Create a photo booth with props like graduation caps, glasses, and school buses. Hang banners and balloons in school colors to create a festive atmosphere.
2. Fun Activities
Last year we celebrated outdoors. We played yard games, swam in the pool and finished the evening with a campfire and sparklers. Other ideas include:
- Arts & Crafts – Set up tables with pencil cases, bookmarks, or folders and provide stickers and markers so everyone can personalize their supplies.
- Relay Races – Set up fun, school-themed relay races. For example, a “Backpack Relay” where kids must put on a backpack, run to a point, and return, passing the backpack to the next team member.
- Back-to-School Bingo – Create bingo cards with school-related items and phrases. Use small candies or erasers as markers. This game is great for a little friendly competition. Click here to download our printable Back to School Bingo cards.
3. Food and Drinks
No party is complete without delicious snacks and drinks. Keep the menu simple but fun and kid-friendly. Here are some delicious selections from “What’s Cookin’ at First Security Vol. 2” available at any First Security Bank location.
- Cool as a Cucumber Dip
- Arkansas Barbecue Fiesta: BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Honey Ham Tortilla Rolls with Honey Dip
- Chicken Salad to Feed a Crowd
- Caramel Apple Nachos
- Kid’s Favorite Trail Mix
4. Back-to-School Supply Drive
Add a philanthropic twist to your party by asking guests to bring a few school supplies. Use them to fill a backpack or two. Bring the filled backpack to your school’s guidance counselor, who can be sure it gets delivered to a student who will need it.
5. Party Favors
It’s not a party without party favors! Provide small school supplies such as erasers and pencils to wish everyone a Happy New School Year!
6. End on a High Note
Finish the party with a big finale that leaves everyone excited about the new school year. This could be a countdown to a confetti blast, a final group cheer, or even a small fireworks display if your area allows it.
A Back-to-School Bash is a wonderful way to transition from the lazy days of summer to the structured excitement of a new school year. Cheers to a fantastic new school year, filled with learning, growth and lots of fun!
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