Area students will be heading back to school next week and before the first bell rings there will be several back-to-school events.

Mid-Prairie East and West Elementary Schools are hosting an ice cream social on Monday from 5-7 p.m. A middle school orientation will be held at 5:30 p.m Tuesday, and on Wednesday Mid-Prairie will have its first day for kindergarten, fifth, sixth, and ninth grades in which they will attend school for a half day to get acquainted with the buildings. The first day of classes for the Mid-Prairie District is Thursday, August 23rd. Highland Middle and High Schools will be hosting Load Your Locker Night this Sunday from 5-6 p.m. Students and families are welcome to attend this open house, students can put school supplies in their locker, and students and parents can ask questions and tour the building. Highland Elementary School is hosting Unpack Your Bag Night on Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Students can see their classroom, greet their teacher, unpack their book bag, and receive an ice cream treat. The school year begins on Thursday, August 23rd for Highland.