Many local organizations will be in attendance, including Dixon Library staff. At 10 a.m. Aug. 2, families can expect a visit from the Solano Library Reading Machine, offering an interactive reading experience for younger attendees. Local organizations and Dixon Unified-affiliated school sites will be available to inform the community. Photo courtesy of Isabella Quiniola/Dixon Unified School District

DIXON, CA (MPG) – The Dixon Unified School District will host its annual Backpack to the Future Festival from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 2 at Pardi Plaza, 132 E. A St.

The event offers a variety of resources, entertainment and activities to help families prepare for the upcoming school year.

According to Superintendent Brett Barley, the event is packed with family fun.

“There will be a deejay, some story time activities with the library, mascots, food and tables where kids can color and draw while their parents learn about our services and participate in giveaways,” Barley said.

Throughout Pardi Plaza, there will be music, games, information booths and family-friendly activities to enjoy. At 10 a.m., families can take part in a special visit from the Solano Library Reading Machine, which will offer an interactive reading experience for younger attendees. Each Dixon Unified School District-affiliated school site will host a booth at the festival.

The festival will also feature free backpacks filled with essential school supplies, including notebooks, pencils and more. These backpacks were funded by community partners such as the Dixon Rotary Club, Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and Grocery Outlet. A total of 480 backpacks will be given away.

“All these groups have been strong partners for the school district,” Barley said.

Backpacks are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees can also meet school principals, parent-teacher organization teams and the district office’s Educational Services, Special Education, AVID and Pupil Services team members to ask questions and learn about district programs and services.

“They will have the opportunity to meet with different members of the school and district and access support tools such as ParentSquare and Aeries,” Barley said.

Representatives from local service and support organizations will also be on site, including the Dixon Police Department, Dixon Fire Department, Dixon Library, Dixon Unified School District Nutrition Services, AT&T, Comcast, TEAM Dixon, Dixon Family Services, Dixon Community Theater, Catalyst, Solano Cares, the Teen Center and the Dixon Chamber of Commerce. They will be available to share information and answer questions.

Alongside food, live music, school mascots and games, district board members will also be on site, including, from left, Superintendent Brett Barley, Vice-President Regina Espinoza and President Julian Cuevas. Photo courtesy of Isabella Quiniola/Dixon Unified School District

For those looking for a snack, Dixon High School at 555 College Way will have snacks and beverages for sale. All purchases will benefit the Dixon Rams Vault. Shaved ice will also be available for purchase as a cool treat for festivalgoers.

For parents and students preparing for the school year, Barley shared 10 back-to-school tips for Dixon families. He recommends building strong attendance habits, establishing consistent routines such as getting enough sleep or having breakfast, and staying organized to be prepared for the day.

Barley also suggests connecting with teachers and principals, creating a quiet environment for reading and homework, and checking in with students about their school day.

“Show interest in what your child is learning. It is valuable for kids to know that school is important to their parents,” Barley said.

Parents are also encouraged to set aside time each day to read with their child, get involved with the school, have open discussions about goals and dreams, and encourage a growth mindset.

“Celebrate effort, not just outcomes,” Barley said. “I like to remind my youngest boy that it’s not that he can’t do it; it’s that he has not done it yet.”

The Backpack to the Future Festival is free and open to all families in the Dixon area. It will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 2, with supplies and activities available while they last.

The first day of school for all Dixon Unified School District schools is Aug. 6.

For more information, visit dixonusd.org or call 707-693-6300.