As the sun rose, families stirred in anticipation as they stood in line for the Tarrant County Back to School Roundup.
Local officials took to a stage Aug. 8 to excite kids and parents about the upcoming school year as they waited to pick up free supplies and resources.
“Let’s remember that this is a true, true testament to a community coming together — partners, volunteers, public officials, just everyone around Tarrant County — to make sure our students are served and get everything that you need to be successful at the start of the school year,” said Luis Lozano, a Tarrant County Back to School Roundup board member.
Families stand in line for the Tarrant County Back to School Roundup on Aug. 8, 2025, at Tarrant County College’s South Campus in Fort Worth. (Mary Abby Goss | Fort Worth Report)
Kids were antsy to pick out their favorite color of backpack or choose a free book to take home.
Fort Worth parent Brianna Estrada wrangled three of her children, including rising second and third graders, to the event.
Fort Worth resident Alisse Hermosillo, 26, ogles a book during the Tarrant County Back to School Roundup on Aug. 8, 2025, at Tarrant County College’s South Campus in Fort Worth. (Mary Abby Goss | Fort Worth Report)
“All of this really helps out a lot. It takes a lot of stress out, especially for haircuts, school supplies, backpacks, now that we don’t have to worry about those too,” Estrada said.
Estrada also learned about new resources and programs for her kids.
Volunteer Keisha Oliver, 46, dances while handing out school supplies during the Tarrant County Back to School Roundup on Aug. 8, 2025, at Tarrant County College’s South Campus in Fort Worth. (Mary Abby Goss | Fort Worth Report)
Elementary students are often the focus for back to school, but the event also offered older students new opportunities, Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Karen Molinar said.
“You heard Coca-Cola donated 200 laptops to our high school students who are participating,” Molinar said. “Of course, being here at the community college shows our older kids there’s a pathway for you after you graduate. It’s right here in their backyard.”
The free services were spread around the campus, allowing children and parents to explore and engage in other activities such as train rides, snow cones and even inflatable axe throwing.
Families explore the campus during the Tarrant County Back to School Roundup on Aug. 8, 2025, at Tarrant County College’s South Campus in Fort Worth. (Mary Abby Goss | Fort Worth Report)
Kids and adults alike ride the train during the Tarrant County Back to School Roundup on Aug. 8, 2025, at Tarrant County College’s South Campus in Fort Worth. (Mary Abby Goss | Fort Worth Report)
Fort Worth resident Carleen Homer, 52, hugs Tarrant County Commissioner Roderick Miles, Jr. during the Tarrant County Back to School Roundup on Aug. 8, 2025, at Tarrant County College’s South Campus in Fort Worth. (Mary Abby Goss | Fort Worth Report)
Families walk through the Tarrant County Back to School Roundup on Aug. 8, 2025, at Tarrant County College’s South Campus in Fort Worth. (Mary Abby Goss | Fort Worth Report)
Mary Abby Goss is a multimedia fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at maryabby.goss@fortworthreport.org.
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