Chicago Public School students preparing for start of new school year on Tuesday

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Students in most suburban schools are already back in the classroom and on Tuesday it's time for Chicago Public School students to hit the books again, so the Labor Day weekend is all about getting ready.

It is that time of year again, when summer is soon to become just a memory and the focus turns to getting ready for another school year filled with learning.

Sunday there were several efforts to make sure kids were prepared, looking good and safe.

There's good conversation along with a haircut as children like 7-year-old Ronello Hudson get some help to look their very best on the first day of school.

"We're going to have fun," Ronello said. "They have computers and games and stuff like that in school."

For a third straight year, the Chicago Police Department's Sixth District Community Police Office offered free haircuts and school supplies.

"(To) let them know how important it is to start off in school with a fresh mind and a fresh haircut and to stay away from guns, gangs, and drugs," said Maurice Thigpen, Chicago Police Department.

Sunday's activities were one of several back-to-school events this weekend.

In Mandrake Park on the city's South Side, Chicago Public School officials prepared to give away 500 school supply bags to students.

"We're Chicago Public Schools. We're available to all students and there should be no impediment to any student getting there on the first day, ready to learn with something in their hand," said Luis Garcia, Chicago Public Schools.

In effort to keep children safe, parents, along with those of different faiths, came together to pray for the safety and security of children during the coming school year.

Sunday afternoon, members of the Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths joined to pray around the schools on the eve of the beginning of a new school year.

Now while many students and their parents will spend some part of the day Monday getting last minute school supplies for the start of class, several groups will be out to remind and encourage mothers and fathers to get their kids to school Tuesday.