The free event is designed to connect families with district staff, local resources and school programs while distributing backpacks and school supplies to students. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon Unified School District held its fourth annual Back to School Festival from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 1, bringing together students, families, educators and community organizations ahead of the start of the new school year.

The free event is designed to connect families with district staff, local resources and school programs while distributing backpacks and school supplies to students. The festival is held in partnership with the Dixon Library and Solano County Library and includes community organizations, service clubs and local businesses.

Julian Cuevas, president of the Dixon Unified School District Governing Board and organizer of the event, said the festival has become an annual tradition focused on strengthening relationships throughout the district.

“Now in its fourth year, I think it's fair to say the Back to School Festival has become a Dixon Unified tradition,” said Cuevas. “One of our district's priorities over the past several years has been strengthening family and community engagement, and this event brings that commitment to life.”

Cuevas said the festival allows families to meet teachers, classified employees, administrators and governing board members in an informal setting before the first day of school.

“Those relationships matter,” he said. “They help build trust, strengthen our sense of community and reinforce that every student and every family belongs in Dixon Unified.”

The district also uses the event to introduce families to programs and resources available throughout the year. In addition to backpacks and school supplies, attendees can learn about mental health services, basic needs assistance, library programs, LGBTQ+ support, ParentSquare, parent-teacher organizations, athletics, extracurricular activities and employment opportunities within the district.

Cuevas said the event is intended to help families begin the school year with established connections.

“We want every student and every family to feel welcomed before they ever step into a classroom,” he said. “Starting the school year with a celebration sets a positive tone and reminds families that they're part of our school community from day one.”

Community organizations play a significant role in the festival. Cuevas said partnerships with the Dixon Library, Solano County Library and local service organizations have helped expand the event since its first year.

“The Dixon Library and Solano County Library have been partners since the very beginning,” he said. “We serve the same children and families, so it makes perfect sense to work together to create opportunities that benefit our community.”

The district expected to distribute more than 500 backpacks during this year's event, more than double the number provided during the festival's inaugural year. Cuevas credited community partners, including the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Women's Improvement Club and other organizations, for helping make the giveaway possible.

According to the district, more than 65 percent of Dixon Unified students qualify for some form of additional support, including students from low-income households, foster youth and students experiencing homelessness.

“Helping hundreds of students begin the school year with the supplies they need removes a real financial burden for families and helps ensure students walk into school ready to learn with confidence,” said Cuevas.

Cuevas said attendance and participation have increased each year, prompting organizers to expand the festival.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “This year's event will be our largest yet, with more backpacks, more community partners, and more resources and experiences than ever before.”

Looking ahead, Cuevas said the district plans to continue implementing its new math curriculum, strengthen early literacy and English language arts instruction, expand dual immersion and college and career readiness programs, and build partnerships with organizations such as Sacramento State.

“It's truly a community celebration that's open to all families,” Cuevas said.

For more information, visit the Dixon Unified School District Facebook page or call 707-693-6300.