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Your 2021 Back to School Guide for Erie, Pa.

Kids are heading back to school soon! Here's everything you need to know

By Kara Murphy August 5, 2021

Hard to believe but the first day of school for kids in Erie, Pa., is coming up FAST! Looking for school calendars in Erie County? Fun back to school events in Erie? Where to go back-to-school shopping in Erie? We have it all, plus advice and tips for dealing with that first day anxiety, printables to make those first-day pics special, and even ideas on what to pack for lunch! Check it all out here!


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2021-22 School calendars from Erie, Pa.

Erie School District
First day: Aug. 30

Millcreek Township School District
First day: Sept. 1

Corry Area School District
First day: Aug. 26

Erie Catholic Schools
First day: Sept. 1

Fairview School District
First day: Sept. 1

Fort LeBoeuf School District
First day: Aug. 31

Girard School District
First day: Sept. 1

Harborcreek School District
First day: Aug. 31

Iroquois School District
First day: Aug. 31

North East School District
First day: Aug. 31

Northwestern School District
First day: Aug. 31

Wattsburg Area School District
First day: Aug. 31

Union City Area School District
First day: Aug. 31



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Back to school events in Erie, Pa.

School supply drives in Erie

United Way Community Schools Drive: Supplies for Success

Details: Can you help United Way provide NEW school supplies for children at community schools? Donate now!

Back to School Supply Drive

Details:  NWPA Pride Alliance, Greater Erie Alliance For Equality (GEAE), Northwest Alliance and Community United Church team up to host a School Supply Drive benefiting Safe Journey and The Multicultural Community Resource Center. Each organization will then distribute to those students in need. Please no cash donations. Gift cards to Walmart or Target will also be accepted. Click here for a list of preferred items.


Back to school fun

Back to school family cruise with Victorian Princess

Details: Come dressed as your favorite storybook character! Aug. 23

Backpack Blessing at St. Peter's Cathedral

Details: Bring your backpack or any school or work item to have blessed. Be sure to stay for coffee hour and pick up a card of all the autumn activities. Sept. 12


Know of a back-to-school event in Erie we're missing? Add it to our Macaroni Kid Erie calendar now or email karam@macaronikid.com.


 DAPA Images via Canva 

Back to school shopping in Erie

There's the big box stores, of course, but you can also support locally-owned businesses and thrift stores when doing your back-to-school shopping! Here are some of our favorite places in Erie that are locally owned for shopping for school supplies and clothes:

Rainbow Connection Thrift Store
1516 Buffalo Road

Green Scene Thrift Store
1301 E. Grandview Blvd.

The Teachers Apple Basket
9 W Main St, North East

Back to school shopping events in Erie

Back to School Event at Once Upon a Child

Get ready for Back To School at Once Upon A Child. They are stocking up on everything you need to get your kiddos ready for school for less. Aug. 7

Back to School Event at Plato's Closet

Get ready for Back To School at Plato's Closet Erie. They are stocking up on everything you need to get your kiddos ready for school for less. Aug. 7

Back to school gift with purchase at Millcreek Mall
Details: Spend $300 on mall property and receive a free $25 mall gift card. July 12-Aug. 8

Have a favorite locally owned spot for back-to-school shopping you don't see listed here? Email me at karam@macaronikid.com and we'll get it added!


More tips to make this school year in Erie a great one:

FREE printables to make those first days of school pictures extra special!


5 Teacher-Approved Tips to Make Back-to-School Time Great

Foods that Make the Grade: Bento Box School Lunch Ideas