FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. (August 5, 2023) – Hosting the annual Back to School Jam on Saturday, hundreds of families headed to the Flagler-Palm Coast High School campus to pick up supplies, free giveaways and learn more about what they can expect this upcoming school year.
“We do it every year right before the start of school. It is filled with our schools, our department and community resources, connecting our families to these resources, as well as our schools, to answer any questions they may have before we get started with school,” said Flagler Schools Interim Superintendent LaShakia Moore.
“When I look around, I think it’s a great turnout. I’m very pleased with the turnout,” she said.
“We’re excited about the first day of school on August 10th. We’ve had some issues with our transportation link but we’re working through that, so we ask that our families just continue to be patient with us. If there’s ever anything that I can do, give me a call or send me an email moorel@flaglerschools.com.”
Flagler Education Foundation’s executive director Teresa Rizzo greeted families and shared information on programs offered by the support organization. Showcasing services such as the STUFF Bus located at each school in Flagler County, to the Take Stock in Children and Josh Crews Writing Project, there was plenty for families to consider.
“We’re here at the Back to School Jam to get our students ready to go back to school. We gave out about 500 back packs in 45 minutes this morning and now we’re just starting to give out school supplies to our students to be ready for that first week of school,” said Rizzo.
“It has not been this packed since about 2018-2019. It definitely shows us that our community is out and about getting back to whatever new normal is. It’s just exciting to see everybody out today.
The Foundation is already looking forward to their signature fall fundraiser.
“Our next big event is the Josh Crews Gala which supports our creative writing clubs in all our schools, so that will be a costume party that’s happening November 17th and there will be more details to come very soon,” she said.
Flagler County School Board member Will Furry was on hand to talk with parents and encourage students heading back to school.
“I’m just really excited that we have so many offerings,” said Furry. “There’s something for everybody. If you like music we have a youth orchestra, if you want sport, we’ve got sports, we have clubs, I’ve seen even here that are faith-based clubs, as well.”
“I think this is a great opportunity for parents to come and the kids to see firsthand what’s available, and also to learn, to make the first day of school go a little bit smoother,” he said.
Students were outfitted with new bicycle helmets courtesy of the Flagler County Tax Collector’s Office in partnership with AlertToday Florida and the Florida Pedestrian/Bicycling Safety Resource Center, providing more than 250 helmets to children riding their bicycles both to school and after.
“We had a great turn out today. Our team gave away a total of 258 fitted helmets to our Flagler families. Bicycle safety information and helmets were provided to the whole family, including small children and parents,” said Shelly Edmonson, operations manager for the Flagler County Tax Collector’s Office.
“The Flagler County Tax Collector Office is proud to help serve our community. Our goal is to keep our families safe on the road. The helmets were provided by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Ped Bike Safety organization. Based on their data, most bicycle head trauma could have been avoided or greatly minimized by using a properly fitted bicycle helmet.”
“If anyone missed this event, they can stop by any of our 3 offices to receive their FREE helmet with fitting, while supplies last. Tell them Shelly sent you!” she said.
Across town at the G.W. Carver Center in Bunnell, another mega back to school event took place. Providing children and families with bookbags and supplies, back to school clothes, and connections to service organizations.
Asked by their food bank partner Our Father’s Table to be part of the event, Emmanuel’s Closet team member Joe Celenza appreciated the opportunity to help.
“We provided a lot of clothing that was new with tags still on them, plus a ton of shoes,” he said.
“We took 18 containers of items and only had about two left over, which we left for the gym to hand out to the kids who didn’t make it. We also had a lot of other vendors there that never heard of us and appreciated what we provided.”
The fall term for students in Flagler County Schools begins on Thursday, August 10th. Find out more at https://www.flaglerschools.com.
