It’s back to school today for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students. More than 5,000 students are in CMS schools in Cornelius.  In 2014, 586 children were enrolled in Cornelius Elementary School, 1,072 students attended JV Washam Elementary, 1,574 kids went to Bailey Middle School and 2,231 eager teenagers packed the halls of William Amos Hough High School. To help students get off on the right foot, there were back-to-school events over the weekend.

Saturday, Aug. 22

Back to School Bash: Carolina Raptor Center has partnered with WSOC-TV’s 9 School Tools campaign to assist in gathering supplies for the upcoming school year at the Back to School Bash. Accepted donations include: pencils, pens, crayons, markers, colored pencils, composition books, single-subject notebooks, loose-leaf paper, 1 pocket folders, rulers, erasers and glue sticks. The event will last from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $5 per person.

Digital Scavenger Hunt: Grace Covenant Church will host a scavenger hunt for all middle school students at 10:30 a.m. Students should meet at the fountain across from the movie theater in Birkdale village. This event is free of charge. All students should bring a friend and their cell phone.

Sunday, Aug. 23

Mt. Zion Blessing of the Book Bags & Teacher Dedication: During all three services on Sunday, Mt. Zion will hold a special back to school blessing. Students should bring their backpacks to the service they attend. Church leaders will pause during the service to offer a special blessing for all students, teachers and school employees.