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The Hartford Public School System’s “Back to School Celebration” is back.<\/p>\n
HARTFORD, Conn. – A few steps down the first base line at Dunkin’ Donuts Park, a different line fully formed; one made up of students and families from all over the Hartford area looking forward to the upcoming school year.<\/p>\n
Hartford Public Schools welcomed students to the “Back to School Celebration,” a one-stop shop for essentials needed as the school year approaches.<\/p>\n
“If you have anything left on your back-to-school checklist, if you need to complete to make sure your transportation is in place, you can do it while you’re here,” said Nuchette Black- Burke.<\/p>\n
Black-Burke is the chief of engagement and partnerships for Hartford Public Schools.<\/p>\n
RELATED: Connecticut school supplies more expensive amid inflation<\/strong><\/p>\n Less than two weeks before the first day of school, which is Aug. 29, Black-Burke added that with inflationary pressures, an event like this back-to-school celebration is especially timely.<\/p>\n “We understand that inflation is through the roof \u2014 the cost of living is going up, so if we can help families in any way, that’s the best part,” he said.<\/p>\n Subscribe to FOX61 Newsletters: <\/strong>Morning forecast, morning headlines, evening headlines<\/p>\n Hartford Public Schools estimates that, between students and families, about 2,000 people showed up at Dunkin’ Donuts Park to load up on school supplies, meet with Hartford Public Schools professionals, get physicals and even a vaccine against COVID-19. if desired<\/p>\n The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving had 4,000 backpacks to distribute for free to students.<\/p>\n “These are people who have experienced a lot of different challenges \u2014 just getting their kids ready to go to school … that’s getting people off to a good start, at the right time,” said Joel Hicks-Rivera, the Hartford Senior Community Impact Officer. Foundation<\/p>\n RELATED: Back to School with COVID-19 Variants and Monkey Pox Outbreaks<\/strong><\/p>\n Chris Medina of Hartford, a parent of a preschooler, had gathered a number of supplies for the school year.<\/p>\n “It’s good for the community to give resources to everyone and also bring people together,” Medina said.<\/p>\n “This is quite a buzz for our students and their families,” Black-Burke added.<\/p>\n Jimmy Altman is a reporter for FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. follow him Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> i Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Have a story idea or something in mind that you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com<\/p>\n