A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Examples of AGBTS Events

Art and imagination were the focus in New York, as over 100 local students created an enormous "Living on Mars" mural at Community Elementary School 64 in the Bronx. CITYarts, an organization supporting public art projects, and New Settlement, a non-profit housing and community service organization, coordinated the project. Noted artists, local kids aged 5-18, and representatives of NASA came together to create the mural, which was inspired by the Mars Millennium Project's challenge to imagine a human community on Mars. The official unveiling of the mural was held at Back to School time, recognizing the participants and displaying enthusiasm for the return to school. In addition to improving the physical environment, CITYarts believes that the creation of public art can instill in young people a sense of pride, accomplishment and self-esteem. The mural may be seen online at the Thinkquest website.
The Swope Parkway Church of Christ in Kansas City, Missouri holds an annual Back to School rally to encourage families in their congregation to stay involved in their children's schools. Besides offering games and activities for youth and their families, everyone who attends the event receives donated school supplies for the new school year. Local agencies participate to encourage safety, including the Fire and Police Department, and the presence of McGruff the Crime Dog is a special touch.
In San Francisco, California, the 4th Annual "Run for College" 5K Run/Walk was held at Back to School time to focus attention on opportunities for low-income students to attend college. College alumni teams were invited to compete and show their spirit. Proceeds from the event support three College Institutes, which provide afterschool programs, mentoring, and parent education in low-income communities in order to increase local students' enrollment and success in college. The Institutes work with students grades 3-12, encouraging them to prepare for college early. See photos from the race on the College Kids website.
In Decatur, Georgia, the first annual "Fathers Matter!" Conference was part of an ongoing effort to help fathers realize the importance of their presence in their children's education. Over 250 people attended the conference, which was sponsored by numerous State and Federal Agencies, the Georgia Federation of Teachers, and the Georgia Fatherhood Program. Faith-based organizations also participated, presenting a class for participants entitled "What is a Father?" The conference will be held each year on the Thursday before Fathers' Day in order to promote Fathers' involvement in their children's lives.
The "PASS (Parent Actively Supports Student) for Success" Program in the Wake County Public School System of Raleigh, North Carolina includes the annual Family Learning Festival. Parents designated as PASS captains each invite twenty families from their neighborhoods, churches, or other organizations. Invitations are also sent home in all students' report cards. At the festival, families learn about new policies and standards and how to best meet these new challenges. Each attending parent receives a PASS kit full of grade-appropriate resources to support home learning strategies. When the student has outgrown the materials in the PASS kit, the school encourages parents to "PASS it on" to another family that can use the resources. Materials are available in five different languages in order to best serve the district's families.
September has been declared Education Month in San Diego, California, as part of the city's Millennium Year Celebration. Through San Diego Goes Back to School, parents and community members districtwide were invited to join students and schools in kicking off the 2000-2001 school year in a positive way. Employers were strongly encouraged to allow working parents time off to participate-a request made possible under the California Family School Partnership Act. To inform employers of the event and facilitate parent requests, San Diego schools provided custom designed Employee Time Off Request forms.
In Washington, DC, Teachers' Night at the Smithsonian is open to educators and other community members. Visitors learn about the resources available for students at museums and cultural organizations. Nearly 40 museums and organizations participate in meeting and honoring local educators at the event.
The Jeffersonville/Youngsville Central School District in New York has a Back to School "Grandparents Day" for grades K-4. Each year, students write letters to invite their grandparents and other adults to spend the day at school. Classes participate on different days so the school doesn't get too crowded. Guests participate in classroom activities, eat lunch with the children, and are honored and entertained at a special assembly. Local political and civic leaders are also invited.