As the Staples commercial says, “They’re going baaaack!” No matter how you feel about that, school is definitely less than a week away so here’s a rundown of important dates to remember.

Aug. 25 is orientation day for students in kindergarten, fifth and ninth grades only and Aug. 26 will be the first day of school for all students. Schools will be closed Aug. 29 through Sept. 1 for Labor Day and will reopen Sept. 2.

There are many tasks to be completed in order to get school aged children ready for their first day and former 2025 Salisbury graduate and cosmetologist Teagan Gibister and her colleagues are willing to help out. A free haircut and hair braiding event will be held noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 31 at Cedar Creek Parkway Pavilion, 101 N. Ott St., Allentown. Picture day is right around the corner.

If you are in need of backpacks or school supplies, the Salvation Army is sponsoring a backpack giveaway and community street fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 21 at 144 N. Eighth St., Allentown. While supplies last, free backpacks filled with supplies will be given to eligible children in grades 1-12 with proof of grade/age.

Salisbury Township is seeking crossing guards for the 2025-2026 school year. Applicants must be available approximately two hours per day – one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon Monday through Friday during the school year. To apply, submit an application at info@salisburylehighpa.gov.

The Salisbury Township School District is seeking nominations for the Salisbury Distinguished Alumni Wall of Honor. Nominees must be a Salisbury graduate at least 25 years old, achieve success in his or her chosen field and make a lasting impact on the community. All nominations must be postmarked by Oct. 1.

Scout Pack 439 is currently open for sign ups. Interested parents with boys or girls in kindergarten through grade 5 can find information about Scouting at BeAScout.org, Pack 0439. Upcoming events for those interested in finding out more about Scouting include a kickoff picnic 6-8 p.m. Sept. 3 at St. Thomas More Church and an overnight camp out at Shankweiler’s Drive-In Sept. 13.

The Great Allentown Fair will be held at the Allentown Fairgrounds Aug. 27 through Sept. 1. Enjoy games, rides, free entertainment, a wide variety of food on the midway and top name acts such as Heart, Alabama and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias in the grandstand. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The township yard waste drop-off sites are open. The Devonshire site will be open Aug. 21 and 23 and the Franko Farm site will be open Aug. 25, 28 and 30. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

“There is no such thing as fun for the whole family.” Jerry Seinfeld