by Lucinda M. Stickney
Mayors and councilmembers all across the country partnered with local schools, families, business leaders and the general community to celebrate the 2005 First Day of School.
The ?First Day of School America? campaign is a fun and practical way to foster school-community partnerships. Initially launched in 1997, and now facilitated by the First Day Foundation, the movement gets communities and parents involved in schools and children?s education.
Mayors, councilmembers and other community leaders are involved in promoting the importance of the first day of school and in encouraging contributions from local partners. Because of community leadership, students and schools receive generous support ranging from school supplies to paid time off for city employees.
City Examples
Local elected officials participated in First Day of School activities in Washington, D.C.; Nashville, Tenn.; St. Louis, Mo.; Charleston, S.C.; and Hartford, Conn. Though celebrations varied, each city began the 2005-2006 school year with strong community support.
In Washington, D.C., Mayor Anthony Williams greeted students on their first day of school at the Peabody Early Childhood Center.
?The first day of school is always exciting for kids, and today was no exception,? said Mayor Williams. ?I look forward to a great year working with the superintendent and his staff to make D.C. schools warm, welcoming learning centers.?
In Nashville, Mayor Bill Purcell sponsored the sixth annual Mayor?s First Day Festival. This event, paid for by business and community donations, was attended by 21,000 community parents, students and teachers. It featured family fun, educational entertainment and free school supplies and snacks.
In St. Louis, Mayor Francis Slay encouraged 7,000 city employees to take their children to school on the first day. The parents or guardians of school-age children were given up to two hours of paid leave.
In addition, Mayor Slay along with the superintendent, school board president and other school officials greeted teachers, students and parents at a number of city schools.
In Charleston, the Mayor?s Office for Children, Youth, and Families held its third annual First Day Festival on a Sunday afternoon. The free event consisted of student entertainment, food and free school supplies. Attendees also visited the South Carolina Aquarium for only $1.00.
In Hartford, Mayor Eddie A. Perez and the superintendent welcomed students and parents to the newly renovated Naylor School. They ate breakfast with the students, talked to preschoolers about their educational journey and spoke with eighth graders about early college awareness.
When supported by municipal officials, the celebration attracts attention from the local news and media, promotes education as a municipal priority and excites students about the upcoming school year.
Details: For information such as additional program examples, sample letters or planning checklists, download the First Day of School Celebration Handbook at http://www.firstday.org/PlanningGuide04.pdf, or visit the First Day Foundation website at http://www.firstday.org.