NEWS RELEASE

The Education Foundation of Indian River County in partnership with Riverside Theatre will present a FREE, fun-filled family event, RT Star’s Back To School Party, on Saturday, August 6^th from 10am to 2pm at Riverside Theatre.

With hands-on activities, live performances, face painting, a bounce house, and entertaining contests, this community-wide event will also feature back to school information from Administrators and Directors from the School District of Indian River County.

“We are fortunate to have community partners who provide such a wonderful event to celebrate the end of summer vacation and the beginning of another school year,” said Dr. Mark J. Rendell, Superintendent of the School District of Indian River County.  “There will be many activities and events for our students and their families. I strongly encourage everyone to join us at Riverside Theatre for the fun and festivities.  And, I can’t wait to participate in the ‘Are You Smarter Than a School Kid?’ contest.”

The Food Services Department will provide fresh produce, their meal plan, and information on their free/reduced lunch program. The Student Services Department will participate with health screenings and mind-body wellness programs. The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program will share information on Kindergarten readiness. People from these informative programs, along with After School Programming and the Transportation Department, will be available for consultation. Plus, the Tobacco Free Partnership of Indian River County will be bringing their SWAT team (Students Working Against Tobacco) to the event with information and interactive games.

“The Education Foundation is excited to partner again this year with Riverside Theatre,” says Cynthia Falardeau, Executive Director of The Education Foundation of IRC. “This event aligns with our efforts to enhance our community’s investment in our schools with the goal of achieving excellence for students and teachers.  We look forward to seeing everyone there!”

Along with live performances from students of Riverside Children’s Theatre and professional entertainment from performers of the Children’s Theatre Touring Program, the day will include interactive contests on building a lunch box, getting dressed for school, and our take on the popular television game show, “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?”

Teachers that attend the party can sign up to win: a gift basket through the Education Foundation, Main Stage tickets to productions at Riverside Theatre, and other prizes

A variety of food and beverages will be available for sale throughout the day.

The day’s schedule is as follows*:

10:00am – Dance Factory Dance Party

10:50am – Live Entertainment / Student Performances

11:15am – “Pack a Lunch” Contest

11:30am – Live Entertainment / Performance Apprentices

11:55am – “Are You Smarter Than a School Kid?” Contest

12:10pm – Dance Factory Dance Party

12:55pm – Live Entertainment / Performance Apprentices

1:15pm – “Get Dressed!” Contest

1:30pm – Dance Factory Dance Party

2:00pm – Riverside Dance Festival performance on the Stark Stage featuring professional

dance troupe, Wylliams/Henry Dance Company