Lee School’s Back to School Rush set for July 20
The School District of Lee County will hold a Back to School Rush event again this year for students new to the district who have not received their physical, or completed their enrollment for the upcoming school year.
“Back to School Rush is an opportunity to knock down barriers that can prevent some students from being ready for the start of school. We bring together the services families need, in one place at one time, so they can have their child in a classroom on the first day of school,” district spokesperson Rob Spicker said. “For instance, we know there are about 2,600 students entering seventh grade that don’t have the state required Tdap vaccine. They will be turned away from attending school until they have it and getting an appointment right now is difficult. The Health Department will be on site to provide them, no appointment necessary.”
The Back to School Rush event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Lee County Public Education Center, 2855 Colonial Blvd.
The first rush was held in 2019 before it resumed again last year.
“Last year we had more than 300 people in attendance,” Spicker said. “One hundred and sixty-four students were given a free school physical. This year we anticipate higher attendance, and more than 200 students will be given a free school physical exam.”
He said Student Enrollment helps new students complete their enrollment, and Lee Health provides back to school physicals. There are a host of other organizations that provide a helping hand at the event.
“The Health Department provides the Tdap vaccine. Kidscare is there for access to health insurance. The United Way can connect families to available resources. Project Access supports homeless students. Lee Virtual School is meeting potential students, and our recruiters are engaging with potential employees,” Spicker said.
There is no cost for the vaccines and no registration is necessary to take part in the event.
“Parents should know the back-to-school physical being offered is not the same as a sports physical that students need to participate in athletics. What is being provided at the Back to School Rush meets the state requirements to attend school. Students who want to participate in athletics must see their pediatrician, or a attend a school-sponsored sports physical event for the proper exam and necessary paperwork,” Spicker said. “The Health Department will also not be able to transfer out of state records to Florida at the Back to School Rush. Parents who need that service must visit the Health Department during the week.”
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