LUMBERTON — More than 5,000 people attended the Saturday Back to School Celebration hosted by the Public Schools of Robeson County.
The event, held at the Southeastern Agricultural Center from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., provided opportunities for parents and PSRC students to meet school staff members and principals. School district staff also distributed free school supplies during the event.
PSRC’s Mobile STEAM Unit was also on site with activities for students to participate in. Those interactive activities were led by PSRC Science Supervisor Susan Miller-Hendrix.
Additionally, Robeson Health Care Corporation partnered with the district to administer back-to-school immunizations and school physicals for students if needed via the RHCC Mobile Unit.
Saleda Taylor could be seen waiting outside the mobile unit.
Taylor, who attended the event as a grandparent and guardian of PSRC students, was among multiple attendees who were grateful for RHCC’s presence and the availability of immunizations at the event.
Taylor said she enjoyed the event and could easily and quickly navigate to various school booths.
“I went through for three different children,” she said.
She also commended PSRC staff members for their work during the event.
“Everybody’s so friendly and helpful,” she said.
“They had it very organized,” said Sharon Mitchell, who is a grandparent of a PSRC student.
The event was a success thanks to the teamwork of various staff members across departments, according to Brendalyn Thompson, PSRC Family Engagement Specialist.
“I would like to personally thank everyone who helped make this event successful. We are so thankful for every parent, grandparent, guardian and student who came through those doors. Our hope is that the event will help our students and their parents get a head start on preparing for the school year,” Thompson said.
Parents and students will have another opportunity to meet school staff and principals during open house events on Aug. 24 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at PSRC schools. Backpacks filled with school supplies are still available for parents and guardians who could not make it to the event. Those backpacks will be distributed at school open house events.
Students will return to school on Aug. 28.
PSRC Early College students returned to school on Monday. The school previously held its open house event on Aug. 3.
“We are looking forward to a prosperous school year ahead,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson.
“The back-to-school event is an example of what can be accomplished when we work together across departments as a school district. We continue to ask parents, guardians and families to collaborate with us at the school level and to be our partners in education. These partnerships make all the difference as we work to support student learning and success,” Williamson said.
