Five Things to Know Today: Aug. 23

1. Today is the First Day of School for All Valley View Students

Thousands of students will end their summer today as the Valley View School District will hold the first day of classes for grades 1-12.

Bolingbrook Patch is encouraging parents to send photos of their youngsters enjoying the first day of school—be it first time in elementary, middle, high school or even college!

Send photos to Editor Brian Feldt at brianf@patch.com.

In the meantime, here are some school closing dates from the Valley View 2011-12 School Year calendar:

• Sept. 5: Schools closed for Labor Day
• Oct. 10: Schools closed for Columbus Day
• Oct. 31: No school for students for teacher institute day
• Nov. 4: No school for students for parent teacher conferences
• Nov. 11: Schools closed for Veterans Day
• Nov. 23-25: Thanksgiving break
• Dec. 21-Jan. 4: Winter break
• Jan. 16: No school for Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
• Jan. 23: No school for teacher institute day
• Feb. 7: No school for teacher institute day/election day
• Feb. 20: No school for President's Day
• March 5: No school for Casimir Pulaski Day
• April 6-16: Spring break
• May 28: No school for Memorial Day

2. Will County Board Reminds of Back to School Safety

The Will County Board is reminding residents that back to school time requires drivers to exercise extra caution when traveling throughout the county and slow down in designated school zones.

“It’s easy to forget that summer is over and kids are heading back to school,” Chairman Jim Moustis said. “We’re reminding motorists to be extra careful on their way to work each morning and again in the afternoon.”

Among the tips safety experts recommend drivers and homeowners keep in mind:

• Slow down in residential neighborhoods and near schools
• Watch for children waiting for school buses in the morning and getting off buses in the afternoon
• Be alert when backing out of driveways and alleys
• Minimize distractions inside of your vehicle, especially cell phones

“And be sure to watch out for our dedicated crossing guards,” Moustis added.  “They put their lives in danger every day so that our kids can get to school and home again safely.”

3. Back to School Blowout Sale and Monthly Food Pantry at Power Connection

Didn't get all your shopping done for school? Don't worry, is holding a back to school blowout sale today. Stop by and stuff a bag of clothing for a $10 donation.  All toys will be 50 percent off and furniture items will also be on display.  

The organization's monthly food pantry will also be open during the event.  

4. Library's Teen Programs See Rise in Attendance

More than 400 teens and tweens attended movies and other programming during July, according to Executive Director Paul Mills' monthly report. 

Mills said the spike in traffic is a huge increase over last July's programming stats, when just 144 teens attended events. 

5. Photo Gallery of BHS Freshman Orientation Night

 Freshman Night Out, an evening for incoming freshmen and their parents to experience high school life and orient themselves to the policies and procedures for the coming school year, was held last week.

The event featured entertainment, information and guided tours of the school. Freshmen were also able meet their teachers while following their class schedule to make sure they are ready for the first day of school.

For a photo gallery of this event, click HERE.