BTS Bash Celebrates Start of New Academic Year

POUGHKEEPSIE – Saturday’s fun-filled Back to School Bash welcomed approximately 800 Poughkeepsie City School District students and their families back to school with an outdoor event at Poughkeepsie High School’s Track and Field.

Attendance at the second annual event mirrored the first year. Attendees were able to enjoy bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides and other activities – many geared toward our youngest students. Plus, there was free food and refreshments.

Designed to bring our families, community and staff together, the event had elements of fun, learning and networking. Bilingual staff and parent volunteers helped Spanish-speaking families engage in the festivities.

About 30 community-based organizations who partner with the district to provide services and support to families had tables at the event to provide information to families.

“It is important for our families to realize that through Community Schools we bring resources from throughout the city, county and beyond to our students. We are excited to be able to again offer a variety of programs and workshops to students and their families,” Natasha Brown, executive director of Community Schools said, adding that registration information for the district’s flagship program, Saturday Morning Lights, – as well as a list of this year’s workshops offered via the Parent Empowerment Centers – are expected within the next few weeks.

Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser and Board of Education member Bob Creedon attended the event speaking with parents, students, and community based organizations.

Rosser briefly addressed the crowd, welcoming parents and caregivers and thanking them for all the work they do to support their children’s success in and out of school.

He spoke to the importance of the partnership between school and home and noted that the Community Schools and other school faculty and staff were here in service to our children. He stressed the importance of student attendance, noting that those who attend school every day and on time have greater chances to succeed in school and beyond, something the entire school community wants for our community’s youngest citizens.