Back to school: Supplies for students in need available at school open houses

August can bring back-to-school jitters, but some families have the additional anxiety of affording all the items on their children’s school supply lists.

Thanks to a community-wide effort led by Eden Prairie Community Education, every child at each Eden Prairie Schools (EPS) site can easily and quickly access adequate supplies to be successful in school.

“Students can pick up supplies during Back-to-School Open House Nights across the district,” EPS Family Resources Specialist Reta Johnson said. “Ask for the School Supplies Program or to speak with the school social worker.  Supplies may also be accessed throughout the year via the school social worker.”

EPS Open House dates and times are listed below as well as in the EPLN community calendar.

Supplies provided will match each school’s specific list for each grade.

While the supplies are reserved for families experiencing financial hardship, there is no need to pre-register or to verify income.

Families of children attending EP Online who need access to supplies, who are unable to attend the designated Open House, or are new to the area should contact Reta Johnson at Reta_Johnson@edenpr.org or 952-475-7030.

Para obtener información en español, contáctese con Heriberto Vargas en hvargas@edenpr.org o 952-975-7068. 
Haddii aad ubaahan tahay caawinaad af Somali so wac 952-975-7254.

Elementary Schools:

Cedar Ridge, Eden Lake, Forest Hills, Oak Point, Prairie View: September 1, 4 – 6 pm

Eagle Heights: September 2, 4 – 6 pm

Central Middle School (in the School Store):

• Thursday, September 2, 4 – 8 pm (6th grade)
• Tuesday, August 31, 4 – 8 pm (7th grade)
• Monday, August 26, 4 – 8 pm (8th grade)

Eden Prairie High School (in the Test Center, Room #236):

• Monday, August 16, 5:30 – 8 pm
• Thursday, August 26, 12:30 – 5 pm
• Monday, August 30, 3 – 7 pm
• Wednesday, September 8, 7 – 8 pm

Several Eden Prairie churches participated in the “Adopt a School” effort for the 2021-2022 school year.

Supplying the elementary schools and Central Middle School were Grace Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Perazim Church, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Westwood Community Church, and Wooddale Church.

The program is also supported by the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools, the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, PROP, the district, multiple community businesses and individual donors, and other churches.

“This program would not be possible without the support of these generous donors,” according to the EPS Family Resources website.