The Forsyth County school system and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Forsyth are holding the SOAR Back to School safety fair Monday at Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center.

“This is the first time we’re doing it,” said Garry Puetz, the system’s director of transportation. “We hope we will get a lot of participation. And certainly if we do, we’re going to be asking for ways to improve the event in the future, because we’d love to make it an annual event.”

Elvis the Safety Owl and Smokey the Bear will address the children. In addition, Puetz said there will be three school buses for children to tour while learning how to be orderly and respectful.

The tour will include a stop where they can learn about each of the five critical school bus safety procedures, including “how to go out the back door of the school bus in case of emergency.”

“We’ll take groups of children through each of the five stations,” Puetz said. “We’re going to have a hands-on demonstration.”

Forsyth County EMS, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department, Safe Kids Forsyth, the American Red Cross and Forsyth County Parks and Recreation, among others, will also have exhibits.

School nurses, counselors, drivers’ education and athletics personnel will also be on hand to field questions about the upcoming school year, which begins Thursday.

“It’s focused on elementary students and parents, but certainly anyone is welcome to come,” Puetz said. “We want to show the community to give them an idea of all the things Forsyth County does to help protect their children.”