The Anchorage School District reported to the Communications Committee on Aug. 28 that its Aug. 1 community outreach backpack event drew strong participation, provided more than 150 free vision screenings and included preschool registration and vendor services.

Tony Bridal, senior director for community engagement and equity, said the event (reported as occurring Aug. 1) was the district’s first large community outreach activity for the school year and that it included a community survey feedback effort and vendor updates. The district also coordinated preschool registration at the event, Bridal said, and credited project management and operations staff with supporting logistics.

Jim Anderson, chief operating officer, and other staff helped the outreach effort, Bridal said. The committee noted that the single, districtwide event reduced previous confusion when multiple organizations held overlapping events.

Bridal said the district completed more than 150 vision screenings and received positive vendor and community feedback. He added that the district intends to expand the event in future years to increase early registration. The communications packet distributed to committee members included event data and a plan to use the format again for outreach.

On advisory committees, Bridal said meeting schedules for WCAC (Wellness/Community Advisory Council), SEAC and the Native Advisory Committee were in the packet; the Native Advisory Committee had met the night before and set meeting dates for the rest of the year. Committee members requested the district share finalized meeting dates with staff who manage calendars. The committee also discussed repeating last year’s joint advisory-committee meeting and tentatively identified November (a date cited as Nov. 12 in discussion) as a candidate.

Meeting logistics noted that advisory meetings start at 5:30 p.m. in the Blue Room. Staff said they will circulate any finalized joint meeting dates and related materials to committee members and staff.