School begins soon, and soon-to-be-students are excited or not so excited, but they are all apt to appreciate new school supplies. There’s something fun about the big new box of crayons or fine point markers or the blank pages of a brightly colored notebook that marks a new year, to be filled with notes on Montana history or math problems.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Education Department tapped into the excitement and possibilities of a new school year when they threw a giant Back to School Kickoff Event on Saturday, Aug. 23, on the lawn behind the Johnny Arlee/Victor Charlo Theater on the SKC campus.

Bouncy houses and face painting signaled where to sign up and receive a ticket for a free backpack. Parents and kids stood in line and went from table to table to stock those backpacks, often standing in line for at least an hour.

Michelle Mitchell, head of the CSKT Education Department, said 2,500 backpacks were donated by Kids in Need; they came in pastel shades from melon to black for the big kids and wild prints for the younger ones.

“We changed the event up this year,” Mitchell said. “Before we had smaller events at each community but that exhausted the staff so this year we had one big event here.”

“I like being able to offer school supplies to kids in need, to set them up for success,” she added.

DJ for the kick-off was Pastor Jason Burrough, from the Bridge Church in Polson. He kept the excitement going and announced door prizes. The door prizes were ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts, and bags, handmade by the Education Department staff.

At the Tribal Health table, Darrin Finley and his co-worker were letting kids choose socks adorned with Native American designs on them, although no particular pattern was the run-away favorite.

The Tribal Child Support Enforcement Program crew got together and talked about items kids need besides notebooks and pencils. So TCSEP contributed socks, shampoo, soap, hygiene supplies, towels, washcloths, locker locks and headphones.

For raffles, the group bought shoes online, with socks to go along, and also held a raffle for a scooter and helmet, according to Hank Conko-Camel, department head of TCSEP.

With long lines, the games kept the youth occupied, and everyone was appreciative. Conko-Camel was happy to say that TCSEP went home with “absolutely nothing.”

In contrast, kids of all ages went home with backpacks full of school supplies and other necessities to start the school year.

    Three sisters model their brand new backpacks, as Grandma adjusts a strap on Janyah's. (Berl Tiskus/leader)

 Younger children enjoyed games while waiting in line for back to school loot at CSKT Back to School Kickoff. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)