I attended a back-to-school community event this past week. The event took place in a convention center and was attended by well over 1,000 students and family members from the local school district. It was my privilege to host an information table for CHKD’s community outreach and engagement programming and share the excitement of the students and families getting ready to embark on a new school year. The atmosphere was positive all the way around with food, fun, and giveaways.
Students received a backpack and supplies to help prepare them to start school with the resources they need. They also had an opportunity to meet representatives from the school they will be attending. Each school in the district had a table hosted by administrators, educators, and PTA members. There was plenty of meeting and greeting between students, families, and school representatives. It was a fantastic opportunity to build school unity and help each student feel that sense of belonging that fuels a positive and productive school experience.
There were several community-based, civic, and government agencies hosting tables to share information about the resources and services they provide. Connecting families to resources and support services to ensure every family and student has what they need to succeed is not only an investment in the school and the student body, but it also builds a stronger community, now and in the years to come.
I enjoyed meeting students of all ages. I met a preschooler who proudly showed me their new dinosaur backpack, a second grader who picked up a color-changing pencil from my table and smiled broadly with two missing front teeth, and a middle schooler who said they can’t wait for school to start up so they can see their friends again. I enjoyed talking with parents who were emotional about sending their child to school for the first time, and parents who were counting the days until summer break was over. I encouraged all of them to have a good school year, and I encourage all of you to do the same.
It’s a win-win situation when families, schools, community members, and service agencies come together to create a positive environment, where students can get prepared for a productive educational experience.
For a list of upcoming CHKD workshops and webinars to support your parenting journey, visit CHKD.org/ParentingResources.
For a list of back-to-school events in Hampton Roads, visit MyActiveChild.Com.
About Michele Tryon, CCLS
Michele Tryon, CHKD community outreach coordinator and parent educator has worked with children and families for 30 years, providing services in the hospital, home, school and community setting. Michele is a Certified Child Life Specialist, a Certified Positive Discipline™ parent educator, a nationally recognized trainer/consultant for Nurturing Parenting Programs™ and co-author of The Nurturing Program for Parents and Their Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges©.
