PALM COAST, Fla. – The line started long before the doors opened at 10 am, stretching down the covered walkway to where the cars were being directed to an overflow lot. Parents and kids were sure to arrive early for the 13th annual Back to School Jam in hopes of picking up free school supplies, talking with teachers and administrators, and learning more about the afterschool activities and clubs their kids could sign up for.
Ready with 1,300 pre-stuffed bags, the Flagler County Education Foundation came prepared and doled out the bright yellow FCEF branded bags in an assembly line fashion with board members smiling and greeting families and kids.
“We are giving out about 1,300 backpacks and they’re full of some school supplies and we’ll also be giving out some loose school supplies later throughout the day,” shared Teresa Rizzo, executive director of the Flagler County Education Foundation.
“It’s so awesome to see all the families and children coming back, excited about school and we’re excited about getting started this year so we want to do everything we can to help them be prepared.”
The gymnasium at Flagler Palm Coast High School was literally packed with eager families shoulder to shoulder, visiting booths and picking up information.
Hoping to connect with youngsters early, Coach Arlette Fishman of Tennis/Golf Time, a mobile instruction unit teaching kids ages 3-11 the sports of golf and tennis, shared that the concept has been so popular they’ve expanded from Flagler County into St. Johns County with their programs.
“We’re running some really fun, exciting programs for our children in all the elementary schools from kindergarten through fifth grade. We have tennis time and we have golf time, and they’re both really fun, exciting programs,” said Fishman.
“We have discounts for parents who sign up for both sports and we bring all the equipment, everything you need for tennis and golf. We have been told by the parents since we started this two years ago that they were so thankful and grateful to have us because tennis and golf in the elementary schools are never taught and they are sports of a lifetime. To have the children start so young it’s been fantastic.”
Activities across the board were represented, everything from book clubs and cheerleading to Civil Air Patrol and Boy Scouts.
“We are Cub Scouts so that means we are kindergarten through fifth grade. We do a lot of character-building skills, and community service, outreach to local areas, a lot of beach cleanups, trail cleanups, things like that,” said Abby Stoll Cub Master of Pack 281.
“There are four packs in Flagler County and we are really friendly with each other. I like to think of it as a big family. Because we do a lot of character-building skills, I think it’s important to set them on the right path morally, and also teach them a sense of pride in their community.”
Carl Jones was among the booths representing mentorship opportunities and said the African American Mentoring Program is looking for both mentors and mentees this school year.
“This program has been in existence for 22 years. We’ve been providing group and one-on-one mentoring to students in all the schools in Flagler County,” said Jones, who serves as the president of the organization.
“We are looking for mentors to help us out but we’re also here to make sure all the kids know this program is here for them, to help them be successful throughout their educational career.”
With his own family in tow, Flagler Schools Director of Student Services John Fanelli said the entire district is ready for the new school year to get started on Monday, August 12th.
“This is a great a event just to get the year started, get everybody out, get everybody excited so everybody has all the information they need to go back to school,” he said.
“I am excited and looking forward to a great year, Flagler Forward!”
Shanica Harper said only one of her five kids was hyped about the new school year, but she as a mom, was thankful for the Back to School Jam for a number of reasons.
“It’s very important because sometimes when working moms like me don’t have either the time or the funds to get schools supplies and the community comes out together and they supply and give back to the community, the kids and it helps out the parents, a lot,” she said.
“It also helps the parents find any information that they need about the school and about the grades that their kids are entering. I just talked to John Fanelli, and he was very helpful with my child’s school choice process. I spoke to Ms. (LaShakia) Moore, she was also helpful. Everyone is great.”
For parents/students in need of school supplies or resources who missed the Back-to-School Jam, please contact the Flagler County Education Foundation at 386-437-7526. View the Flagler Schools calendar here.
