The Elevate WeHa Back to School Bash will be held in Blue Back Square on Saturday, Aug. 23.

By Ronni Newton

In just a few weeks, West Hartford Public Schools students will return to their classrooms, but in advance of the Aug. 27, 2025 opening of schools, several organizations are collaborating for the Elevate WeHa Back to School Bash.

The event will be held in the Blue Back Square courtyard, on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m., and is free and open to all.

Elevate WeHa is a youth wellness and creative leadership initiative led by RiseUP, which is partnering with the West Hartford Prevention Partnership, Youth Recovery CT, and Concerned Parents of Color Greater Hartford (CPCGH) for this year’s event. The bash will incorporate the annual CPCGH backpack giveaway, where 300 free backpacks filled with school supplies will be given away to West Hartford families on a first-come first-served basis.

“This event is about showing our youth that their creativity, voices, and futures matter,” said Matt Conway, Executive Director of The RiseUP Group. “We’re thrilled to partner with CPCGH to make sure students are not only equipped for school but empowered to lead.”

The Elevate WeHa Back to School Bash will include art, entertainment, and community celebration in a family-friendly and substance-free environment intended to foster youth creativity while ensuring families are made aware of wellness resources.

“Everyone is welcome to attend this open, inclusive, and joy-filled substance-free experience – whether you come to volunteer, collect supplies, paint a mural, or simply celebrate,” said Gretchen Levitz, Prevention Coordinator for the Town of West Hartford.

There will be live music as well as DJ performances, a mural dedication, arts and crafts stations which includes the opportunity to customize a shirt or tote bag, face painting, and other youth-led art projects.

Wellness and prevention booths will focus on community preparedness, health and mental health, recovery, and family resources. There will also be snacks available, as well as other vendors.

The event is intended to create a “community block party atmosphere with purpose,” organizers said. Teens, parents and caregivers, educators, as well as any other member of the community is encouraged to attend.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available, and vendors can register here. For more information about volunteering or sponsorship, email Matt Conway at matt.conway@theriseupgroup.org.

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