Bring a Backpack and a Smile!

WAITSBURG – Back-to-school time can be both hectic and expensive, but the Waitsburg Home and School Association (HASA) is doing what it can to ease the burden for local parents. This year Waitsburg students can forget about trying to find all the items on the traditional back-to-school supply list. Instead, they are told to arrive with only a "backpack and a smile."

For the second year in a row, Waitsburg's HASA has purchased all the school supplies needed for Waitsburg students. Last year, HASA purchased supplies for grades K-8. This year they met their goal of including high schoolers as well. Everything from notebooks to tissues to scientific calculators will be ready and waiting in the classrooms when students arrive on Tuesday.

HASA raised funds throughout the year with a school carnival, movie night and magnet sales. Member Lisa Morrow worked with teachers to gather supply lists and took care of the shopping. Last week, members met up to organize and distribute the supplies to a thankful teaching staff.

"We have received nothing but great comments from parents. They love that we are taking this burden off of them. Getting everything for kids these days for school is hard enough and this is a practical way to help our families. It saves everyone money, because we buy in bulk and it's cheaper," said HASA president Jamie Gleason.

Gleason said that HASA is always looking for new members and could really use the support of more families involved. HASA currently meets the third Wednesday of each month, though that time may change in the future. Check their Facebook page at Waitsburg Home and School Association to stay updated on meetings, fundraisers, and school updates.