Students and faculty of Nashua High School North during last year's Nashua Goes Back To School event. Telegraph file photo

NASHUA – The 23rd annual Nashua Goes Back to School celebration, the district’s unofficial kick-off of the new school year, will be held on Aug. 19 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Holman Stadium, 67 Amherst St.

Students will receive a bag of school supplies and have the chance to visit with more than 40 community organizations. There will be free popcorn, snow cones, music with DJ Carryl Roy and live performances by the Nashua Community Music School.

The principals from Nashua’s 13 schools look forward to welcoming students and their families to the start of a new school year.

“It’s a great way to kick off the school year with energy and support,” said Keith Richard, principal of Nashua High School South. “Students receive essential school supplies, helping them start the year prepared and confident. It’s also a chance for families to connect with valuable community resources. This event brings everyone together, creating a strong and supportive start for students, families and the entire school community.”

Nashua Goes Back to School provides an opportunity for families to learn about programs such as the Nashua Community Music School, the Nashua Police Athletic League, the Boy Scouts of America, the Secondhand Costume Annual Redistribution Effort and First Tech Robotics. This year the University of New Hampshire Manchester will be providing information about collegiate programs, the admissions process, financial resources and veteran support.

The first Nashua Goes Back to School Celebration was held in August 2004 and coincided with the first time Nashua started the school year with two high schools. The event continues to reflect the research which indicates students are more successful and less likely to drop out when they feel connected and supported by others in their community, the lunch lady, a coach, a peer, a scout leader or a music lessons teacher.

Nashua Goes Back to School is funded through community donations. The Greater Nashua United Way serves as the 501c-3 fiscal agent, but no United Way funds are used for this event. Donations may be made by check, payable to United Way of Greater Nashua, noting NGBTS in the memo line and mailed to: NGB2S 20 Broad Street, Nashua, NH 03064. Online donations can be made at https://tinyurl.com/2024ngbts.