For families throughout North County, this past weekend was about gearing up for a new school year.

While Missouri's sales-tax-free weekend drew shoppers to stores for school supplies, the Hazelwood School District took advantage of the "holiday" to connect with district families. The district hosted its annual Back-to-School Fair at St. Louis Mills on Saturday, featuring booths that offered information on everything from school clubs to transportation. Cheerleaders and dance teams from Hazelwood schools provided entertainment throughout the four-hour event.

On Sunday, the Normandy School District hosted a dedication ceremony for its brand-new school, Barack Obama Elementary, 3883 Jennings Stations Road. The school was built with funds generated by Proposition K, which Normandy voters approved in 2008. The 65,000-square-foot facility will house about 400 students.

Students in both districts return to school Monday, Aug. 15.