6th annual Back-to-School Bash held for Hamilton Co. Schools

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The sixth annual Back-to-School Bash was held this morning for Hamilton County Schools.

Hosted for the first time at Tennessee Riverpark, families were able to pick up school supplies and enjoy activities. 

“It sets a precedent for the rest of the school year that families get involved and stay connected. That’s a big word for us this year– is making sure that kids are connected. We want families to be connected as well,” Superintendent Justin Robertson said.

The Back-to-School bash has been held for six years and has served around 3,000 students and families each year.

“School starts this Wednesday, August 9, so this is really to build excitement for that day. To get our families the stuff that they need to get their student into the school for the first day,” family and community engagement director Kate Skonberg said.

Hamilton County Schools partnered with local organizations to show students that the community is there to help them along the way.

The event is held the Saturday before school starts to provide students with school supplies and festivities. 

“We have a lot of families that are dealing with barriers. And if we can remove one of those barriers– which is the high cost of school supplies — that’s something that we want to do. We’ve got great partners that have helped us make that happen. And so, it just takes an additional burden off the backs of families so that they can concentrate on getting their kids in school and really just enjoying the moment instead of worrying about school supplies,” Robertson said.

Many community partners attended the event and supported students as they enter the new school year.