Asheville, NC, August 5, 2025

News Summary

As families in Asheville and Buncombe County prepare for the upcoming school year, community initiatives like the ‘Tools for Schools’ supply drive and local events are gathering momentum. With the school year starting on August 25, parents are encouraged to shop for supplies early and focus on health, wellness, and immunization needs. The emphasis on vaccinations is particularly critical this year due to rising concerns over preventable diseases. Collaborative efforts from organizations ensure students are ready for a successful academic journey.

Asheville Families Prepare for 2025-26 School Year Amid Immunization Focus and Community Support Initiatives

The first day of school in Asheville and Buncombe County is set for August 25, 2025, as families begin gearing up for the new academic year. Parents are engaging in activities such as shopping for supplies, scheduling health checkups, and attending various community events aimed at supporting students and their educational journey.

Local school calendars for both Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools are now published, outlining essential dates such as early release days and holidays. Parents are urged to utilize school-specific websites that provide detailed planning tools, including transportation updates and information necessary for a smooth start to the school year.

As part of community efforts, Eblen Charities is set to host its 17th annual “Tools for Schools” supply drive on August 7. This initiative will provide vital school supplies and backpacks for students in need. Additionally, the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is partnering with school counselors to personally distribute fully stocked backpacks directly to students.

Upcoming Community Events

On August 9, Tanger Outlets Asheville will host its annual Back-to-School Bash, featuring local mascots, free drink samples, and a new shoe collection drive aimed at gathering 450 pairs of new shoes for Owen Middle School students affected by Tropical Storm Helene.

Health and Wellness Focus

Local experts recommend that families begin shopping for school supplies early to avoid last-minute rushes. Moreover, pediatricians emphasize the transition to a school-friendly sleep schedule while also encouraging families to focus on health and wellness. This includes ensuring children receive nutritious meals, engage in physical activity, and maintain sufficient sleep.

Mental and emotional wellness is receiving particular attention, especially for younger children or those transitioning to new schools. Parents are advised to arrange playdates and school visits to ease anxiety and foster a supportive environment. Discussions about online safety, cyberbullying, and screen time management are also being encouraged as part of the overall wellness strategy.

Immunization Awareness

There is a heightened focus on immunizations this year due to rising concerns about preventable diseases. Public health officials have noted an uptick in cases of measles and whooping cough. The Vaccines for Children program offers free vaccines for uninsured children, ensuring access to essential immunizations ahead of the school year.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has declared August as Immunization Awareness Month, underscoring the critical role vaccines play in preventing serious diseases. Pediatricians recommend that parents schedule checkups and sports physicals to address vaccine requirements and discuss immunization needs during well-child visits. Additional resources regarding vaccine schedules and school requirements are available at ncdhhs.gov.

Conclusion

As families in Asheville and Buncombe County prepare for the upcoming school year, a collaborative effort from the community to provide support and resources, alongside a focus on health and immunization, ensures students are well-equipped for a successful start.

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Additional Resources

• 828 News Now: Back to School Tips for Asheville Families
• CNN: Hurricane Helene Impact on NC Schools
• Mountain X: Asheville School Board Budget Frustrations
• Fox Carolina: Buncombe County Schools Reopening Date
• Britannica: Public Health Overview

Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER

The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.