5 Back-to-School Traditions That We Love
By Jennifer Collins - FF/S
August 21 may mark the actual start of school at Darlington, but there are several traditions that truly get the year started in our Community.
Here are a few of our favorite events for back-to-school. If you are able to be a part of these events or any other back-to-school events over the next couple of weeks, tag us in your social media posts with #firstdayatDAR.
We can't wait to see everyone!
1. Back-to-School Open House & Ice Cream Social at Thatcher Hall
For Pre-K to 8 Families
Thursday, Aug. 17 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
It has been an amazing summer but we know that everyone is excited to meet their teachers, visit classrooms and see friends. This is a great time to do that AND enjoy ice cream sundaes to celebrate the beginning of a new, exciting school year!
2. Gently Used Uniform Sale
Presented by Tiger PRIDE
Friday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 19 from 8 a.m. - Noon
Does your student need new or gently used uniforms for school? This is the event that you don’t want to miss!
“Our gently used uniform sale is a donation only sale that benefits all students and we have received more clothes than ever before,” said Christi Cates, Tiger PRIDE member and coordinator of the sale. “This is our third year and we have 60 totes full of clothes for students from Pre-K through 12th grade. We love to have this sale while everyone is moving in and during student orientation because it’s a great way for new parents to get to know folks from Tiger PRIDE. We love to welcome our families back to campus and make new families feel right at home.”
Parker Uniforms will also be on site at this time for new uniform purchases.
3. The Bash Before the Bell
Saturday, Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Johnson Field House - Huffman Center
The Bash Before the Bell, presented by the Purple Tie Committee, will be held Saturday in the Johnson Field House. This casual evening event features dinner, a full bar, both live and silent auctions, various raffle prizes, a reverse raffle and entertainment provided by a fabulous acoustic trio Lilac Wine. All proceeds from the event will benefit Darlington’s parent organizations: Pre-K to 8 and Upper School Tiger PRIDE, the Fine Arts Booster Club, and the Athletic Booster Club.
The grand prize for this year's reverse raffle is $10,000 cash or tuition credit for your oldest child up to $18,000 (to be used in one school year). Second prize is $2,000 cash. Each raffle ticket is $100, and is available for purchase online only. Only 300 raffle tickets will be sold.
Ticket sales for this popular event are very limited and sales close at midnight on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
4. College Boot Camp for Seniors
Monday, Aug. 21
Our seniors will hit the ground running on the first day of school with College Boot Camp. They will meet with college advisors, hear from a series of college admissions pros and attend small-group sessions on different topics related to college.
5. Opening Convocation
Thursday, Aug. 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Van Es Arena
The Darlington Community will kick off its 113th school year with Opening Convocation in the Van Es Arena of the Huffman Center. This tradition-filled ceremony included the presentation of school flags, inspiring words from students and the ringing of the School Bell to officially usher in the year.
This event is also open to parents of students and friends of Darlington.
PS: If you're looking for some great Darlington gear, the DAR Shop Bookstore has TONS of new merchandise. Stop by and see all of the new TIGER gear including shirts, hats, visors, belts, shorts, socks, water bottles, backpacks, cinch bags and more!
Special Hours, Aug. 15-19:
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Thursday from Noon - 3:30 p.m.
Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Normal School Year Hours:
Monday & Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Closed on Thursdays
