Project Back to School

Project Back to School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working with the WFISD Foundation, Wichita Falls ISD, City View ISD, nonprofit organizations, businesses and hundreds of volunteers. We were created in 2009 to provide disadvantaged children with a custom school supply kit, backpack and more to begin school each year.

While volunteering at Scotland Park Elementary School, Cheryl Ritchie saw that there was a need for school supplies in our public schools that existing community programs could not meet. Joined by community volunteers, they created Project Back to School in 2009.

Our vision is that no child in Wichita Falls begins school without the supplies they need.

We believe that educating children from low-income families is one of the best tools for ending the cycle of poverty. For 15 years, Project Back to School has been dedicated to providing at-risk children with school supplies to begin school equipped for a successful academic year.

Currently, 3 out of every 5 students in Wichita Falls are economically disadvantaged. Join us in making our vision a reality so every child in Wichita Falls has the school supplies to succeed in school.

Every August, we equip about 6,000 children for academic success by distributing school supplies directly at the highest need schools and at our annual Roundup.‍

Every student at the WFISD elementary schools with enrollment of more than 95% disadvantaged students will receive school supplies and a backpack at their school. These schools are Burgess, Scotland Park, Booker T. Washington and Zundy elementary schools.

Everyone is invited to our Back to School Roundup where WFISD and CVISD students who qualify for the lunch program will receive free school supplies and backpacks.

Craig Brown
Nikki Davis (ED)
Steve Cookingham
Vanda Cullar
Joey Deal
Pam Featherston 
Darrell Franklin
Sarah Fukasawa
Susan Grisel (Pres.)
Lillian Harris
Dr. Donny Lee
Mollie Lerew
Shunta McFadden
Katherine McGregor
Regan Nabors
Roy Olsen (VP)
Pat Page
Lance Spruiell
Ashley Thomas
Jason White
Renee Williams
Julie Woolsey (Sec.)

This Back-to-School Community Event is to provide free school supply kits and backpacks for disadvantaged children in addition to community resource information focusing on child education, adult education, youth programs, living assistance, health and safety. Project Back to School reserves the right to limit the number and type of exhibitors allowed.    

Booths are a 10’ x 10’ space with an 8' table and 2 chairs.  If you need more space, please indicate the number of adjoining booths you need.  Tablecloths are not provided; exhibitors are required to cover their table.

Restrictions:

• Exhibitors may promote their services by providing informational materials, however no monetary or business transactions are allowed.  Exhibitors may only distribute materials from their assigned booth.
• The MPEC prohibits the distribution of any outside food, however packaged candy and gum are acceptable.
• The MPEC does not allow any animals on the premises.
• Exhibitors are limited to 6 people per booth due to the booth size.  If you have more, consider working shifts.
• Any children accompanying exhibitors must stay at their booth.  They are not to wander around without an adult and are not allowed in the Hospitality area.

ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM

Various sponsorship packages are available. For more information about being a sponsor, contact us at pbts@wfisd.net.

Volunteers working during the Roundup must be at least 18 years old.  No children may accompany volunteers during the Roundup. Please fill out the linked interest form.

The Roundup is a fun and informative family event designed to help Wichita Falls ISD (WFISD) and City View ISD (CVISD) students—from Head Start through 12th grade—start the school year prepared. It provides free school supplies, backpacks, community resources, and more. Everyone is welcome to attend, and no pre-registration is require

• Be enrolled in a WFISD or CVISD school
• Qualify for the free or reduced lunch program
• Bring proof of eligibility (such as a school lunch program letter, Medicaid, CHIP, Lone Star card, or SNAP)
• Be accompanied by an adult if under age 16 (children are not required to attend)
• Complete a student registration card for each child (available to print in advance under Helpful Downloads)

• Students in Head Start and Pre-K receive a backpack and crayons
• Students in K–12 receive a backpack and a school supply kit with most required items
• Students at Burgess, Scotland Park, Washington, and Zundy elementary schools will receive supplies directly at their campus, not at the Roundup

Yes, the Roundup features community resource booths offering information on school and local services, youth programs, assistance programs, health and safety, and free giveaways.

Yes, the Wichita Falls–Wichita County Public Health District will provide vaccinations during the event at the MPEC.