Day of Beauty; Middle school girls can get hair and make-up done free.

A recently formed partnership between the Fort Scott Middle School parent organization VIPs and the Fort Scott Community College Cosmetology program will result in a free "Day of Beauty" for middle school-aged girls this Saturday.

More than 60 FSCC cosmetology students will be working throughout the day to doll-up at least 50 sixth, seventh and eighth grade students free of charge. The services include hairstyles and "up-do's," along with nail polish and nail art.

Stephanie George, a FSMS teacher and VIP member, said the group does "a lot for the school," but doesn't always have events or activities geared directly toward the students. Other events the VIPs have sponsored or hosted are movie and pool nights during the summer; fundraising opportunities for the school and students; and FSMS Family Fun Night, set for April 20 this year.

George said she and other VIP members thought this would be an enjoyable day for girls.

"We thought this was a great chance for the girls to have a day of beauty," George said. "I think they're going to love it."

George announced the salon opportunity last week. She said the most common response from the girls was excitement.

"One of the girls was like 'YES!'" George said.

FSMS girls were sent home with notes advertising the free salon day after the announcement. Parents were required to call the cosmetology school in advance to schedule appointments.

Cosmetology Program Director Margo Davis said 51 appointments had already been scheduled as of Thursday afternoon. While space is limited, she said there were still a couple of spots available.

Davis said she typically has around 20 students on the floor throughout the week, but on Saturday she's going to have about 60 -- almost all the students in the program.

"It's going to be a busy day," Davis said. "They'll get a feel of what it's like to be on the floor on a Saturday. They're going to be a lot busier than what they typically are during the day."

Giving away the free services, Davis said, serves many purposes for the program and students, not only as a community service project, but as experience for FSCC students.

"I thought it was a neat idea when I first got a call about it," Davis said.

The VIPs originally got the idea for a "Day of Beauty" about a year ago. Actual planning started in December.

Davis said her students are excited to clock more hours or use the day to possibly make up hours.

"It benefits them as well," Davis said. "We're here and they're ready to have a lot of fun and meet a lot of nice young ladies who will hopefully be excited with the outcomes."

The chance to get their hair done couldn't have came at a more perfect time for FSMS girls.

Fort Scott High School is sponsoring the annual TWIRP (The Woman is Required to Pay) dance for middle school students as a FSHS band fundraiser Saturday night. The dance, sort of like a Sadie Hawkins event, requires the girls to ask the guys and the couples to wear matching shirts.

George said the boys are a little jealous of the "Day of Beauty" because the VIPs haven't done "anything for them," but she joked their hair is too short for styling anyway.

"We're going to have to do something for boys now, too," George said.

Appointments will run from noon until 4 p.m. on Saturday. Normally open Monday through Friday, the cosmetology school opens up on weekends for special events or community service projects.