Asheville, August 17, 2025
News Summary
Asheville is preparing for the back-to-school season, with schools set to open soon. Experts highlight the importance of emotional support for students, as they navigate changes and potential anxiety. Community organizations are providing resources such as school supplies and mental health support, ensuring families have the necessary tools for a smooth transition. Parents are encouraged to prioritize health and wellness, along with creating an open environment for communication, as children adjust to new academic challenges and social settings.
Asheville, N.C. is gearing up for the back-to-school season, which commences on August 25, 2025. This time of year brings significant changes for students, including new grades, teachers, and opportunities to make new friends. Experts emphasize that feelings of anxiety and stress are normal during this transition, affecting children of all ages.
According to specialists, the home environment plays a pivotal role in shaping children’s emotional states. They stress that parents need to be mindful of their own stress, as children often mirror their parents’ feelings. Parents are encouraged to openly discuss their experiences with managing stress, helping children to feel less isolated in their struggles.
Creating an environment where children feel comfortable expressing their emotions is essential. Listening becomes crucial, as parents are not required to solve every problem but can provide invaluable support through attentive listening. Experts suggest consulting a pediatrician if a child exhibits extreme anxiety or sadness, allowing for appropriate treatment options.
In Asheville and Buncombe County, families are actively making practical plans for the new academic year. School calendars detailing important dates for Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools are now available to assist in the transition.
Various community organizations are stepping up to provide support for families during this period. For instance, Eblen Charities is hosting a school supply drive, while the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is putting together fully stocked backpacks for underprivileged students. Additionally, Tanger Outlets Asheville will host a Back-to-School Bash on August 9, featuring local mascots, free drink samples, and a shoe collection drive to help students in need.
Experts recommend that parents begin their back-to-school shopping early, preventing the anxiety of last-minute preparations. Pediatricians advise transitioning children’s sleep schedules to align more closely with school hours in the weeks leading up to the first day. Furthermore, a focus on health and wellness is paramount—parents should emphasize nutritious meals, daily physical activities, sufficient sleep, and limit screen time for their children.
To ease first-day jitters, educators recommend organizing playdates or school visits for younger children or those transitioning to a new school. Additionally, discussing online safety, including sharing personal information and recognizing signs of cyberbullying, is essential for kids navigating the digital landscape.
Public libraries in the area offer valuable educational resources and programming for families during this back-to-school season. With the rise of preventable diseases, officials have declared August as Immunization Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of vaccinations. Pediatricians suggest scheduling well-child checkups ahead of the school year to ensure all vaccine requirements are met.
Mental health support is becoming increasingly integrated into educational settings, with school leaders in communities affected by Hurricane Helene prioritizing emotional well-being alongside academic catch-up efforts. Programs such as Project: Camp provide free, trauma-informed day camps, offering healing spaces for children impacted by disasters.
Child psychologists underscore the importance of parents modeling healthy behaviors and fostering open conversations to address children’s fears, including those related to severe weather events. Creative expression is also encouraged as a means for children to process their emotions.
FAQ
What should parents do to help their children transition back to school?
Parents can create an environment for open communication, share their experiences with stress, and listen to their children’s feelings. It’s also helpful to schedule playdates or school visits.
When does the school year begin in Asheville?
The academic year in Asheville starts on August 25, 2025.
What community resources are available for families in Asheville?
Community organizations provide support such as school supply drives, fully stocked backpacks, and events like the Back-to-School Bash at Tanger Outlets Asheville.
Why is immunization important during this time?
August has been designated as Immunization Awareness Month, stressing the importance of vaccinations to prevent the spread of diseases, especially as children return to school.
How can parents support the mental health of their children?
Parents can model healthy behaviors, encourage open discussions about fears, and seek professional help if needed, particularly if a child’s anxiety becomes severe.
Key Features of Back-to-School Support in Asheville
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Emotional Support | Experts emphasize the importance of parents listening to children’s feelings and sharing their own stress management experiences. |
| Community Resources | Organizations providing school supplies, backpacks, and events to support families. |
| Health Initiatives | Focus on vaccinations and health checkups to prevent disease before school starts. |
| Mental Health Integration | Schools prioritizing mental health support alongside academic advancements. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Eblen Charities Launches School Supply Events in Asheville
Asheville Faces Challenges in Recovery from Hurricane Helene
Asheville City Schools Launches Summer Meals Program
Asheville Community Provides Support for Back-to-School Events
Asheville Families Receive Free School Supplies After Hurricane Helene
Asheville Hosts Annual Backpack Giveaway for Local Children
John McClung Roofing Hosts Annual Backpack Giveaway in Asheville
Asheville Supports Residents After Tropical Storm Helene
Asheville Community Receives Essential Services from Local Church and Convoy
Asheville Families Prepare for Back-to-School Activities
Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Back-to-School Tips for Asheville Families
- WLOS: Managing Anxiety and Stress in School Transitions
- ABC11: Helping Children Cope with Stress from Severe Weather
- Spectrum News: Mental Health Support After Hurricane Helene
- Google Search: Back to School Mental Health Resources
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.
