Back-to-School Events Connect Students, Parents to System

From the AACPS Communications Office:

More than 8,000 students, families, and community members are expected to attend two back-to-school events designed to provide students and parents with resources and information as they prepare to return to school later this month.

Both events are free and open to the entire community, says the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Office of School & Family Partnerships.

In a partnership with i5 Church and Full Gospel Emancipation Life Center, the first annual Back-to-School Bash will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Meade Middle School, 1103 26th St. on Fort Meade.

For the fourth consecutive year, in a partnership with Abundant Life Church, the Back-to-School Expo will be held as part of the church’s annual Super Saturday Kids Carnival on Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 7305 E. Furnace Branch Road in Glen Burnie.

Both events will include local school principals; school system representatives of the Title I, Food and Nutrition, and Equity and Accelerated Student Achievement offices; community agency representatives from the Anne Arundel County departments of Health, Parks and Recreation, and Social Services; the Anne Arundel County Reading Council; Centro de Ayuda; and others who will be on hand distributing backpacks and school supplies, sharing information, and answering questions.

Bilingual interpreters will be available to assist Spanish- and Korean-speaking families.

“These events are like an unofficial kickoff for the school year, bringing excitement and relief to many families getting ready for school,” said Teresa Tudor, AACPS’ Senior Manager of School and Family Partnerships. “We are always grateful to the many businesses, agencies, and individuals whose generosity directly impacts our students in meaningful ways. Every year they help more and more young people get a fresh, promising start and a real boost to achieve.”

Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade must be present in order to receive the backpacks.