Clover schools plan bash Aug. 5, new school tours Aug. 7

Clover School District is getting ready for the new school year starting Aug. 15 with two planned events.

The annual Back-to-School Bash is 6-8 p.m. Aug. 5 at Memorial Stadium. New school tours will be Aug. 7.

At Friday’s event, a new addition is the school spirit contest.

“The school with the highest percentage of students to show up will receive a prize from the district,” said Bryan Dillon, district public information officer.

One student from each school also will win an award.

There also will be more student involvement.

“The biggest thing is it’s not attached to a football scrimmage, so it’s more centered on meeting the Eagles and fall student athletes,” Dillon said. National Honor Society members and other students also will also be on hand helping with games, face painting and more.

Food also will be available for purchase.

But the center of the event is handing out school supplies.

“Each school will have its own table and an administrator there,” Dillon said.

Stepping High will provide shoes and free eye exams will be available.

“We’re expecting the same type of turnout even without the football scrimmage because of increased community involvement,” Dillon said.

More than 600 backpacks filled with supplies and nearly 300 pairs of shoes were given out at last year’s event.

School supply donations may be dropped off at Clover Community Bank branches in Clover and Lake Wylie, and the district office.

“We are still accepting supplies,” Dillon said. Any supplies not distributed at the event will be given to students in need throughout the year.

On Aug. 7, the community is invited to celebrate the opening of the two new schools.

A ribbon cutting and tours begin at 2 p.m. at Oakridge Elementary School in Lake Wylie. The Clover Middle School celebration begins at 4 p.m.

“Administrators will provide tours,” Dillon said.

Parking is available in the lots for each school with the entrance for the middle school on Barrett Road.

The new schools were part of a $99 million construction package approved by voters in a March 2014 bond vote.

This story was originally published July 29, 2016 at 1:05 PM with the headline "Clover schools plan bash Aug. 5, new school tours Aug. 7."