ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — As the first day of school approaches on Aug. 25, families across Asheville and Buncombe County are preparing for the 2025-26 academic year with a mix of excitement and practical planning — from shopping for supplies and attending community events to scheduling health checkups and vaccinations.

Local school calendars are now live for Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools, outlining important dates such as early release days, holidays and parent-teacher conferences. Parents are encouraged to review school-specific websites for more detailed planning tools, including transportation updates and communication portals.

Community organizations and local businesses are stepping in to support families during the back-to-school season. Eblen Charities will host its 17th annual “Tools for Schools” supply drive on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at the Ingles on Smokey Park Highway. The event will distribute backpacks and essential supplies to students in need, thanks to a wide network of community partners.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County has also been working behind the scenes, assembling fully stocked backpacks for students in elementary, middle and high schools. The organization is coordinating with school counselors and nonprofit partners to distribute supplies directly to students who may otherwise go without.

Meanwhile, Tanger Outlets Asheville is adding a festive spin to the season with its annual Back-to-School Bash, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 9, from noon to 3 p.m. The free event, open to the public, will feature appearances by local mascots Ted E. Tourist and Rocky the UNC Asheville Bulldog, as well as free drink samples from Pepsi and complimentary photo souvenirs courtesy of TapSnap Phototainment.

As part of the event, Tanger is teaming up with Mountain Hope to launch the “Kicks for Class” New Shoe Collection Drive, aiming to collect 450 pairs of new shoes for students at Owen Middle School — many of whom were impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. A school bus near Sportsman’s Warehouse will serve as the drop-off point for donated shoes in select youth and adult sizes.

The outlet center is also promoting its “Summer of Savings” campaign, offering discounts at top brands including Nike, Coach, Old Navy, Polo Ralph Lauren and Under Armour through the end of August.

To avoid the last-minute rush, local experts recommend families begin shopping early for items such as notebooks, lunchboxes and clothing. In addition, pediatricians and health officials are urging parents to start transitioning their children back to a school-friendly sleep schedule by gradually adjusting bedtime routines in the weeks leading up to school.

Health, nutrition and digital safety

With new academic routines come renewed focus on health and wellness. Pediatricians stress the importance of nutritious, brain-boosting meals, daily physical activity and adequate sleep. Experts also recommend limiting screen time before bed and encouraging consistent hydration with reusable water bottles throughout the school day.

Mental and emotional wellness are top of mind for many families, especially for younger children or those changing schools. Educators suggest organizing playdates or school visits to ease first-day jitters. Creating a designated homework space and using simple tools like reward charts can also help establish positive academic habits.

Parents are also encouraged to discuss online safety with their children. Topics include limiting the sharing of personal information, managing screen time, and recognizing cyberbullying. With growing digital engagement in and out of the classroom, these conversations are increasingly critical.

Public libraries continue to serve as vital learning hubs. Pack Memorial Library in downtown Asheville provides free Wi-Fi, research support, and educational programming for students and their families.

Vaccine awareness

This year’s back-to-school preparations come with a heightened focus on immunizations, as public health officials warn of a nationwide surge in preventable diseases.

“Vaccines are an essential piece of child, teen and family well-being,” North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said in a news release. “You can use any health care visit to ensure your child is up to date with their vaccines.”

As of mid-2025, the U.S. has reported more measles cases than any year since 1994. North Carolina has also seen a record number of whooping cough cases, along with rising concerns about meningitis and chickenpox.

Children who are uninsured may still be eligible for free vaccines through the federally funded Vaccines for Children program, which partners with local providers to ensure access for those 18 and under.

To support families and providers, NCDHHS launched a bilingual Childhood Vaccines Toolkit and maintains an interactive map to help locate local VFC providers. Governor Josh Stein has also proclaimed August as Immunization Awareness Month in North Carolina.

“Vaccines remain one of the most effective means available to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death,,” Dr. Kelly Kimple, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health, said in the news release. “They help to protect the health of children, their families and the entire community from the spread of infectious diseases.”

Pediatricians recommend scheduling well-child checkups and sports physicals before school begins to address vaccine requirements and general health concerns.

“Immunizations help protect your child by training their immune system to recognize and resist diseases,” Dr. Theresa McCarthy Flynn, president of the North Carolina Pediatric Society, said in the release. “The back-to-school checkup is a great time to talk with your pediatrician or other primary care provider about vaccines and any other concerns you might have about your child’s health.”

For more information on vaccine schedules and school requirements, families can visit ncdhhs.gov.