Maybe you’re standing in your local Walmart, shoving and pushing your way through crowds to get that special, sparkly pink lunchbox your child must have.

Or maybe you’re keeping a highlighted calendar hanging on the wall and a planner in your purse listing every school bash, backpack giveaway and convocation. If you are, you may be either a parent or teacher, and it’s officially back-to-school time.

Parents and children across Port Arthur and Mid County are gearing up for the start of the 2019-20 school year. Whether it will mark the start of kindergarten or senior year, there are many bashes, welcome parties, meet-the-teacher events and school functions to attend in the upcoming weeks.

Port Arthur Independent School District

Convocation — 8 a.m. Aug. 5 in the Memorial High School gym.

Meet the teacher (all elementary schools) — 1-4 p.m. Aug. 9,

First day of school — Aug. 14

Superintendent Mark Porterie: “We are excited about the 2019-2020 school year. We are excited to greet our students back and see what they did over the summer and welcome the new staff to the home of the Mighty Titans. We are looking forward to celebrating throughout the year, the 120^th year of our school district, which was established Aug. 4, 1899.

“We’re looking forward to having a great time and bringing everybody together. To understand we are all a team and in this together. We want them to know that they are members of a winning team and we’re excited to deliver that message.”

Port Neches-Groves Independent School District

PNG Welcome Breakfast — 7:30 a.m. Aug. 6 in the Port Neches Groves High School cafeteria. The PNGISD Food Service will serve breakfast.

Convocation — 8:15 a.m. Aug. 6 in the PNG High School auditorium. Guest speaker will be Scott Milder with Common Sense Communications, LLC.

Port Neches Elementary Back to School Bash and Meet the Teacher —3:30 to 5: 30 p.m. Aug. 14 at PNE.

Fire it Up Pep Rally — 7 p.m. Aug. 15 at The Reservation, PNG High School Stadium

First day of school — Aug. 20

Theme for the school year — Peace and Love.

Nederland Independent School District

 Convocation — 8 a.m. Aug. 14 at the Performing Arts Center

First day of school — Aug. 19

Centennial Back to School Bash — 3-7 p.m. Aug. 24 behind Bulldog Stadium

Superintendent Robin Perez: “Each school year brings new beginnings and opportunities for students, faculty and staff of Nederland ISD. Our mission is to provide an educational environment where learning is the highest priority and that our students become lifelong learners that are responsible, contributing citizens in a diverse and changing world.

“Nederland ISD is celebrating its centennial year and we are excited to celebrate 100 years of excellence our district has showcased.”