Operation School Days 2010

  • Published
  • By Cadet 2nd Class Bridgett Murphy
  • Air Force Academy cadet via operations Air Force program
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  In the middle of the summer, school is the last thing on any child's mind. However, as the season begins to wind down, students and parents alike may begin to have questions or concerns associated with returning to school for the upcoming year.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Youth Center, and the Barksdale Community Education Partnership (BCEP) are producing "Operation School Days 2010." This event, taking place at 6 p.m. August 2 in Hoban Hall, will provide an opportunity for base families to speak to local school officials, network with each other and have fun.

"The purpose of this event is to give military parents an opportunity to see what our local schools have to offer," said Reginald Coles, 2d Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center education liaison.

Administrators from the local educational community representing public, private and Catholic Schools from Bossier and Caddo Parishes will be attending to showcase their schools and allow parents to spend some time communicating directly with school officials. Members of the BAFB Homeschool Group, which boasts a membership of 90 students, will also be present.

"This year's Back to School Day is going to be different from previous years because it is going to be open to more community involvement by the simple fact that more schools will be involved," said Almeda Giles, 2d FSS AFRC. "It is going to be three times as big as last year."

An administrator from the youth center will be available as well to offer information about before- and after-school programs on base.

Other attractions will include a fashion show modeling school uniforms, refreshments, such as popcorn and cookies, free school supplies, and an opportunity for military parents and their school-aged children to interact and enjoy themselves before the summer months come to a close.

"Base leadership loved the fashion show displaying the different uniforms last year. This year we are going to have a uniform recovery box as well," Ms. Giles said.

AAFES partnered with Friends of Family Support are currently accepting donations in support of this event.

"There is always a need for volunteers and donations," Ms. Giles said. "Those who wish to be a part of this effort can purchase school supplies and drop them off at specific locations around base."

The golf course, library, fitness center, AAFES BX, military clothing sales store, shoppette, capehart, AFRC and Chapels will all be taking donations until July 28. In addition, AAFES will be offering a 20-percent discount on school supplies purchased for this event.

Operation School Days 2010 will be a great opportunity to shake out those back to school jitters and help Barksdale children, families and administrators transition smoothly from the lazy days of summer to the bustle of another academic year.