A new school year brings fresh opportunities, new challenges, and the chance to grow together. Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or the last year of high school, this season is about building connections, setting goals, and finding balance along the way.
BAck to school for kids!
Make the most of this new school year with local kid-friendly & family-focused activities!
Click each activity below to be redirected to more details.
Centaur Stride Back To School Wellness clinic
Join us for a unique evening of connection, support, and wellness strategies as we transition into the school year!
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Centaur Stride, 8488 Jones Road, Sherman, NY 14781
We’re excited to welcome Rachel Mesmer-Ludwig, LCSW, as our guest speaker!
While children enjoy a 30-minute experience with our horses, adults will participate in a guided discussion on back-to-school wellness.Then switch!
📞 Contact us to learn more: (716) 326-4318 or holly.reslink@centaurstride.or
STEAM Marshmallow Sculptures
Get ready to build, create, and snack along the way! Join us for an exciting STEAM Saturday on September 13th where we’ll be crafting tasty marshmallow sculptures.
Time: 12pm to 1pm
Location: Lakewood Memorial Library 12 W Summit St, Lakewood, NY 14750
Whether you’re an aspiring engineer or just love a good challenge (with sweet treats involved), this hands-on adventure is perfect for curious minds of all ages. Come see what you can dream up, your masterpiece awaits!
Pearl City Clay House: Play & Clay
Join us for Clay & Play: A Pearl City Clay House Open House on Saturday, September 13!
Watch wheel demos, meet our instructors, see full class projects, and try walk-in activities like Paint Your Own Pottery and Bucket Projects. Sign up for a class during the event and receive a special discount! Swing by, get inspired, and get creative with us!
Time: 12pm to 3pm
Location: Pearl City Clay House
220 East 2nd St
Jamestown, NY 14701 United States
Lakewood Busti Back To School Safety Fun Fair
Come spend a fun afternoon at the Busti Town Park!
The Lakewood-Busti PBA is hosting a Back-to-School Safety Afternoon filled with activities, safety tips, and fun for the whole family.
📍Busti Town Park 3359 Lawson Rd
Jamestown, 14701
📅Saturday, September 7th
🕐1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
We hope to see you there!
Chautauqua Jellystone Park Theme Weekends
Our Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park- Chautauqua County, NY 2025 theme weekends are officially here!
Sept 5-7: Science Spectacular Weekend with Ranger Smith
Sept 12-14: Birthday Bash for Boo Boo
Sept 19-21: Fluorescent Fun Weekend
Sept 26-28: Fangtastic Fall Weekend (Halloween Theme w/ Trick or Treating)
Location: 299 Kiantone Rd
Jamestown, 14701
Dunkirk Public Library Book Sale
Grab your school year books to meet your reading goals at the Dunkirk Public Library book sale! Book sale and more fun will take place on September 20th from 10 AM – 2 PM!
Location: 536 Central Ave
Dunkirk, NY 14048
Email info@dunkirklibrary.org for more info!
Patterson Library NEW Lego Club
We are excited to announce our new LEGO CLUB!
Beginning September 20th, every Saturday morning little builders can join us for some creative fun with friends! We hope to see you there!
Time: 10:30am-11:30am
Location: Patterson Library 40 S Portage St Westfield, 14787
Prendergast Library Chess Club
Join us at the James Prendergast Library every 1st and 3rd Monday from 4-6 PM for Chess Club! Beginning October 6th!
Location:
James Prendergast Library
509 Cherry St.
Jamestown, 14701
All ages are welcome!
Back 2 school 4 Teens
Watch these YouTube videos or print these lists for fun ideas for the new school year!
resources for parents
Back to School Resources for Health/PE
We know that health and physical education leads to student success. Active kids have more focus and concentration in school. They also behave better in class and get higher test scores.
Use the new standards-based resources below to help make a positive difference in the health and well-being of your children!
How to Talk to Kids about Bullying Tips
Children who experienced or witnessed bullying may want to discuss it with their parents, but not know how to bring it up. Some children may be afraid that they’ll be “in trouble” for what happened. Others may feel embarrassment or shame. A parent may notice changes in their child’s behavior and find it difficult to talk about it in a way that doesn’t make their child feel uncomfortable.
Confidence Boosting Lunchbox notes
These confidence-boosting lunch box notes are a simple way to support and encourage your
child during the school day. Tuck a note into your child’s lunch box, pocket, or backpack to
give them a smile and send a boost of confidence while you are apart.
SOCIAL MEDIA, ONLINE SAFETY, AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
Parents have a critical role in supporting the social and emotional development of their children. But other adults also play a key role in protecting children from unhealthy media use or risky exposure. A successful approach includes caregivers, pediatricians, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults in a child’s life.
resources for educators
Building Classroom Relationships and Culture
Many schools are adopting restorative justice practices to create more relationship-centered school cultures. Learn more about how to use restorative justice circles in your classroom and find three sample activities.
Tips on Creating a Trauma-Informed Classroom
The following classroom ideas were developed for K-12 teachers using SAMHSA’s six key principles for a trauma-informed approach to education.
Classroom Mental Health Contract
Use the Classroom Contract at any time to break the mental health stigma and encourage students to talk openly and frequently throughout the school year:
- At the beginning of the school year
- During a stressful school
season such as prom, midterms,
beginning of sports seasons and finals. - Upon returning from a long break
Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
As educators, you wear many hats, playing a pivotal role in shaping the lives of your students. You’re responsible for their education and guiding them through the curriculum, but you also provide a listening ear, offer support as a trusted adult, and ensure the safety and care of your students. With so many important roles to juggle, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The constant demands of teaching can lead to stress and fatigue, particularly compassion fatigue and burnout.
Get ready for the 2025-2026 school year ahead!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make this school year the best one yet for your child. Download the Back To School 2025-2026 Toolkit from Tapestry and give your child the tools they need to thrive! Packed with engaging activities and resources, our toolkit is designed to support your child’s mental well-being and ensure a school year full of joy, growth, and safety.
Town of Chautauqua Municipal Building
2 Academy Street, Suite 202
Mayville, NY 14757
Phone: (716) 753-4507
Toll Free: 1-888-290-2381
Fax: (716) 753-7208