They lined up in the hallway and on the sidewalks outside – several thousand Roanoke City students and parents, waiting to pick up bags of free school supplies. It was the 8th annual Back to School Extravaganza, held this year at Patrick Henry High School last Saturday. Information was also available about various social agencies and school programs like the free and reduced price lunches many students in Roanoke City take advantage of. Bus schedules were also available for each elementary, middle and high school in the city.
Students, parents and guardians also had a chance to meet principals and other administrators from the schools they will be attending (which begin September 7th.) Carla Brown has two children at Fairview Elementary and was picking up “basic school supplies,” including markers, notepads, glue, construction paper, even a box of tissues. According to Brown, it was worth waiting in line.
Eric Fisher, the principal at Preston Park Elementary School, manned a table himself, handing out bags of school supplies while greeting students. “Some fun items,” were part of the mix said Fisher. Roanoke City students received post cards inviting them to the event.
“School supplies can be expensive,” said Fisher, “and this [provides] them with what they need to start school.” The Q-99 Pack the Bus promotion helped fill those supply bags after encouraging Roanoke residents to donate school items. “It’s gotten to be a big event,” said Fisher.
Claire Arnold was at the PTA booth, hoping to recruit more parents. A vice president for the Central Council of the PTA, Arnold said that, “we’re hoping to encourage PTA membership.” Some schools have a larger degree of participation than others. “The goal is always 100 percent,” said Arnold.
Juan Maldonado has a child at Patrick Henry High School, where the Back to School event was held in the cafeteria. “[Some] people really need help buying school supplies,” said Maldonado as he walked out with a bag of donated items. “I think it’s a positive thing. It’s a benefit for everybody.”
By Gene Marrano [email protected]
