News Summary
The Newport-Mesa Unified School District organized a successful back-to-school expo, attracting around 2,000 attendees. Families received essential resources such as haircuts, shoes, hygiene kits, and school supplies in preparation for the upcoming academic year. The collaborative effort involved local organizations providing comprehensive support, highlighting the community’s dedication to assisting those in need. Engaging activities for children further enhanced the experience, making the event a significant step forward in student preparedness and community involvement.
Newport Beach
Approximately 2,000 students and family members participated in a back-to-school expo organized by the Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) on Saturday outside IKEA in Costa Mesa. The event aimed to equip families with essential resources as the new academic year approaches, scheduled to start on August 18.
The expo was a collaborative effort with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, which played a significant role in providing support and resources to attending families. Participants had access to various free services, including haircuts, shoes, hygiene kits, and backpacks stocked with school supplies. The initiative aimed to ensure that all students are prepared for their educational endeavors and can start the year on a positive note.
In addition to school supplies, the event featured free food options and basic healthcare services. Local organizations were also present to address housing needs, underscoring the comprehensive assistance provided to families. This effort reflects the community’s commitment to assist those facing socioeconomic challenges.
One of the key highlights of the expo was the extensive support from various organizations. For instance, the Crossing Church of Costa Mesa contributed name-brand shoes, while haircuts were provided by stylists from Revival Hair Outreach. The Newport Balboa Rotary Club assisted in distributing backpacks, further emphasizing the collaborative nature of the event.
In a celebration of community spirit, the expo included engaging activities such as raffles for bike helmets and skateboards, alongside fun attractions like face painting and balloon animals for the children. These elements not only contributed to the enjoyment of attendees but also fostered a sense of togetherness among families.
The success of this year’s event was notable, with NMUSD spokeswoman Annette Franco highlighting the increased involvement from the community compared to previous years. Service organizations like Costa Mesa’s Share Ourselves and the Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living also attended to provide medical and mental health support. This approach ensured that families had access to critical services, irrespective of their financial situation.
The chief operations officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast remarked on the event’s achievement, stating that it was the best operation the expo had accomplished in the last four years, marking a path of continuous improvement. This success reflects both the community’s dedication to enhancing student preparedness and the effectiveness of organized efforts to provide equitable resources for all children.
This annual expo not only supplies necessary materials but also emphasizes the importance of community engagement in education. As families look towards the start of the school year, events like these play a crucial role in leveling the playing field, ensuring every child in Newport-Mesa has the resources they need to succeed.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Newport-Mesa’s Back-to-School Expo Supports Local Families
Additional Resources
- LA Times: Newport Mesa Unified Students & Families Get a Leg Up
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach, California
- Newport Beach Independent: Letter to the Editor
- Google Search: Newport Mesa Unified School District
- LA Times: Laguna Beach & Newport Mesa School Districts Approve Contracts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newport-Mesa Unified School District
- LA Times: Back Bay High Graduation
- Google News: Back Bay High Graduation
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
