CADIZ — The Harrison Hills City School District will welcome students back to the classroom with its annual “Back to School Rally” on Aug. 20.

The board of education discussed the rally during Thursday’s meeting. Superintendent Dana Snider said they will be providing school supplies such as pencil bags, pencils and notebooks to returning students.

“Some of the businesses will give out fancy notebooks, cute pencils, fancy erasers to our students. We should have a good turnout, like we always do. I’m excited to get back to school and kick off the year,” she said.

There will also be around 17 vendors, inflatables, games, food and snacks available during the event. In previous years, there have been upwards of 40 vendors present at the rally, board President D.J. Watson noted. Snider said the vendor turnout has declined over the years; however, there are plenty of other activities planned for students.

The rally will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the Harrison Central Track Complex in Cadiz. Prior to the rally, an open house will be held from 9-11:30 a.m.

Snider said the number of students signed up for remote learning has significantly dropped for the upcoming school year. Last school year. The district had around 300 students enrolled in virtual learning last year. That number has decreased to 26 students. She said the number could drop further as the first day of school approaches.

Snider said she urges students to return to the classroom and said staff will work with those who may have issues.

Snider also spoke about the upgrades to a portion of Mazeroski Field for the new baseball field. She said everything is “moving along,” although the district is still waiting for Cadiz Village Council to sign an agreement to sell the portion of the field to the school district. A price has not yet been disclosed.

The school currently leases the field from the village and is working to purchase it.

The third and final reading that will authorize Cadiz Mayor John Miglior to enter into a real estate purchase agreement with the board of education will be conducted Thursday during council’s next meeting at 6 p.m..

Snider also said there has been some delay in the completion of the girls’ softball field. The completion date is now set for mid-October.

The school board will next meet at 6 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Harrison Central Auditorium, 100 Huskies Way.