Welcome, October Cougars! 💜🍂

Fall is here, and our school year is in full swing! October brings cooler weather, changing leaves, fun activities, and plenty of opportunities to grow and connect as a school community.

As routines continue to settle in, it’s a great time to check in with ourselves and one another. School can bring many emotions and experiences - both exciting and challenging, and we are here to support students and families every step of the way.

                               Wishing all of our Cougars a happy, healthy, and successful October! 💜🍁🐾            

Every Day Counts! 💜

• Regular attendance helps students stay connected to their teachers, classmates, learning, and school community. We understand that sometimes things happen that make getting to school difficult.

• If your family is experiencing a barrier to attendance- such as transportation, housing changes, illness, family circumstances, or another challenge, please reach out. We are here to help problem-solve and connect you with resources.      

October in St. Louis: Events & Family Fun

🎃 Boo at the Zoo -  Saint Louis Zoo
October 9- 30 on select nights, 5- 8:30 p.m. This is a non-scary, family-friendly Halloween event. There is also a sensory-friendly night on October 12, which could be particularly helpful to share with families who have children who may be overwhelmed by traditional Halloween events. 

🦖 St. Louis Prehistoric Life Show - October 17
A free, all-ages event at the Saint Louis Science Center featuring fossils, hands-on activities, paleontology presentations, and a coloring table. 

🎃 Trunk-or-Treat at Affton Community Center - October 14
A free community Trunk-or-Treat from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Affton Community Center. 

🍁 Fall Fest & Pumpkin Glow at Des Peres Park -  October 10
A free family event beginning at 2 p.m. with activities such as hayrides, live music, face painting, inflatables, and more. The Pumpkin Glow begins at 6:30 p.m. 

🏮 Legends & Lanterns in St. Charles -  October 17–25
A free fall event featuring costumed storytellers, folklore characters, lantern-lit streets, and candy stations. 

🎨 Free Family Saturday at St. Louis Artists Guild - October 17
A free craft activity for Pre-K through elementary-age children and their families. 

🧘 Free Children's Yoga at Brentwood Public Library
October sessions are listed on Thursdays and include movement, stories, and mindfulness for young children. SSTLParent.com

🌳 Family time in Forest Park
Forest Park is a great reminder that families don't have to spend money to enjoy time together- walking, playing, having a picnic, or visiting one of the free institutions in the park can be a simple weekend activity.

Food & Meal Resources 

Cougar Backpack Pantry Program (Through Affton School District)
Families who may benefit from additional food support are encouraged to reach out to the school social work team about the Cougar Backpack Pantry Program.

St. Louis County Library – Food & Nutrition Resources
St. Louis County Library offers food and nutrition resources throughout the year, including MetroMarket, which provides fresh, affordable produce at select library branches. (St. Louis County Library)

🍽️ Community Meals
Free and low-cost meals are available through community organizations throughout the St. Louis area. Because schedules can change, families are encouraged to call ahead or check before visiting.

• Central Baptist Church - Tuesdays | 11:45 AM | 2845 Washington Ave.

• Soup Alley/Trinity Church - Monday-Saturday | 9:30-10:30 AM | 812 Soulard Ave.

• St. John’s Episcopal Church - Saturdays | 4:00-5:30 PM | 3672 Arsenal St.

• St. Patrick Center - Daily | 12:00-12:30 PM | 800 N. Tucker Blvd.

• St. Peter & Paul Parish - Monday-Friday | 5:00-5:45 PM | 1919 S. 7th St.
  Weekend meal times are also available; call ahead for current schedule.

• St. Vincent de Paul - Various food and meal services throughout the week | 1408 S. 10th St.

The City of St. Louis maintains an updated list of local food banks and community meal resources, including the locations above. St. Louis Food Help & Community Meal Resources