Classes start for Tempe schools July 24

The new school year is right around the corner, and the city of Tempe is teaming up with local schools and community partners to ensure students from preschool through graduate school are prepared.

Students and their families can take advantage of tips and information on student safety, mental wellness, educational resources, transportation options and opportunities to get involved on the Tempe Goes Back to School website , according to a city release.

Back-to-school dates for Tempe schools are:

• Tempe Elementary School District - Wednesday, July 24
• Tempe Union High School District - Wednesday, July 24
• Kyrene School District - Wednesday, July 24
• Arizona State University - Thursday, Aug. 22
• Rio Salado Community College - Rolling start dates

Some resources to take advantage of include the free Youth Transit Pass for Tempe and Guadalupe kids ages 6 to 18, which provides free light rail and bus rides, the release explained.

Get one at the Tempe Transit Store, 200 E. Fifth Street, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or in person at Tempe, Marcos de Niza and McClintock high schools. Learn more here .

College Connect Tempe is another city resource that can help students get to where they want to go with advisors available to help students explore post-secondary education and career opportunities.

Free in-person and virtual resources include interactive workshops, one-on-one advising and college and career connections. Every student who participates is eligible for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship at the end of the school year, the release noted. For more, visit here .

Additionally, Tempe Community Council operates Threadz teen clothes closets, which offer new and/or gently-used clothing and shoes, personal hygiene items and school supplies for Tempe middle and high school teens from all three Tempe public school districts.

Find closet locations here .