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Back to School Roundup 2025

First Baptist Church’s 19th Annual Back to School Bash draws large crowd


BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Branson's First Baptist Church once again treated area students and their families to a fabulous end-of-summer celebration.


The area's 19th annual Back-to-School Bash, held on Sunday, welcomed hundreds of area youth and their families to the Branson RecPlex for an evening of fun, food and fellowship.  


Those in attendance enjoyed swimming at the venue's incredible AquaPlex facility and participating in a variety of games and activities, including face painting and balloon animals. Inflatable bounce houses and water slides were a big hit with the children, and everyone appreciated the free popsicles and ice water that were distributed to the crowd.


Several area nonprofits, including Salvation Army, Linkability, The Gideons and others were on hand to share information that would be beneficial to area families.


Everyone enjoyed an evening meal of hot dogs and chips and the annual motorcycle and BMX stunt show was a hit with children and adults alike.


All school-aged children received a free backpack filled with school supplies to help set them up for success for the upcoming school year, and the FBC Prayer Team offered prayer for children and their families.


First Baptist Church of Branson's Back to School Bash was sponsored by Branson Bank, Linkability, My 100.1, Branson 4U 98.1, 102.9 The Z, Legends 106.3, Bank of Missouri, First Community Bank, Regions Bank, Chick-fil-A, Dr. Travis Brawner of Ozark Mountain ENT, Kanakuk, Casey's and the Branson Globe.


First Baptist Church is always seeking ways to minister to those in the community. First Baptist Church Branson is located at 400 South Sunshine. They invite you to drop by one of their Sunday services—8 a.m. (Classic Worship), 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 (both Modern Worship Services).


Back to school bash set for August 15

 

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

 

Tanger Outlets of Branson will host a special back to school bash to support local schools.

 

Set for August 15, the back to school bash is a day of fun, community and giving back. Join in the excitement of outdoor games, a prize wheel, face painting, balloon art, a backpack auction and more.

 

Tanger Outlets encourages you to bring a school supply of your choice to help stuff the bus. Exchange your donation for a special gift from Tanger Outlets. All donated school supplies will be given to local schools.

 

Tanger Outlets will also be offering exclusive back to school savings at several shops within the venue.

 

The back to school bash will be held on Friday, August 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don't miss your opportunity to celebrate, save and support your local schools.



Blessing of the backpacks to be held August 17

 

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

 

Branson's First Presbyterian Church has found a perfect way to encourage area students, teachers and school staff this year.

 

The church is offering blessing of the backpacks on Sunday, August 17.

 

This event is open to all students, teachers, teachers' assistants and anyone who is teaching or being taught—in public school, private school, college, trade school, homeschool, Sunday School, Bible Study, etc.  Bring your backpack, tote bag or whatever you carry to be blessed during the Sunday worship service.

 

The blessing of the backpacks will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, during the morning service, just in time for the new school year.

 

Branson's First Presbyterian Church is located at 420 West Main Street in downtown Branson.



Hollister Church to hold back to school blessing service

 

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

 

New Beginnings Fellowship in Hollister invites all area students, teachers and school personnel to a special back to school blessing service on August 17.

 

"As the new school year begins, the most important thing we can send with our children isn't just notebooks or new shoes, it's the blessing of God," stated a New Beginnings Fellowship Facebook post. "We'll pray over students, teachers, coaches and parents asking God for protection, wisdom, peace and success in the year ahead."

 

This special service is geared towards students of all ages and grade levels, preschool through college, as well as instructors. Please spread the word about the service to anyone you know who has school-aged children, teaches or works in the schools.

 

The blessing service will include social giveaways, treats for the family, a special back-to-school photo opportunity and other surprises, as well as the opportunity to start the school year with God's favor.

 

The back to school blessing service is set for Sunday, August 17, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at New Beginnings Fellowship, 151 Elm Street in Hollister.


New faculty to join School of the Ozarks this fall

 

School of the Ozarks is excited to announce two new faculty members: Casey Bass and Jacob Williams.

 

Casey Bass is joining S of O as the K-12 visual arts instructor. Bass is a Branson High School alum with a degree in art education from Miami University in Ohio and a master’s in gifted and talented education from Arkansas State University. Bass brings a dynamic blend of artistic passion, global experience and heartfelt dedication to the educational system.

 

Bass (Photo submitted)
Bass (Photo submitted)

Her teaching journey began at the same place she attended as a student: Branson Schools. Eventually, however, she began teaching across the globe at all grade levels in places such as Alaska, Beijing and England. Regardless of where she teaches, she is celebrated for sparking imagination and empowering her students to think big.

 

Bass’ college years were marked by deep involvement in Campus Crusade for Christ and meaningful summers spent guiding and mentoring youth at camps in Maine and at Kanakuk. These experiences shaped her passion for youth and commitment to building lasting connections both in and out of the classroom.

 

Bass is also the proud mom of four kids: Jacob, Winnie, Canon and Daisy. Her youngest daughter, Daisy, recently graduated from Bentonville High School and will be studying culinary arts at College of the Ozarks.

 

Jacob Williams is joining the Beulah I. Winfrey Upper School at S of O as the natural philosophy instructor. This fall semester, he will teach chemistry and biology and contribute meaningfully to the Great Conversation — a cornerstone of the School's classical education framework.

 

Williams (Photo submitted)
Williams (Photo submitted)

A graduate of College of the Ozarks, Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s in educational ministries from Liberty University. His academic background and deep commitment to student growth reflect the values that define the School’s mission.

 

Williams brings a diverse background in science education and youth ministry. He previously taught science at Hollister High School and served at Mentoring Alliance Summer Camps and Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp, where he shared the gospel and mentored children and teens. Most recently, he worked with the Taney County Health Department, focusing on community well-being. Now, he returns to the classroom with renewed passion for shaping the lives of young people through both scientific inquiry and Christian formation.

 

Driven by a belief in the formative power of daily habits, Williams is passionate about teaching practices that shape character, desire, and worldview.


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