Back-to-School Rally Is Held

A back-to-school rally and resource fair were held by Family Connection last Saturday at Washington Park school to help families prepare for the return to school next week. Students in Jasper County public schools return to the classroom next Thursday, Aug. 8.

Students at the two private schools in Jasper County—Piedmont Academy and Shiloh Christian Academy—return to the classroom on Monday, Aug. 12.

Saturday, Jasper County Family Connection held a resource fair to show families what resources are available to them to help children succeed in school. Some 500 book bags and school supplies were given away, and several agencies were on hand to share information about how they can help students.

Participants in the resource fair included the Ferst Foundation, Jasper County Library, Haven House, Jasper Memorial Hospital, Jasper County Mentor Program, Jasper County Primary School, Washington Park Elementary School, Jasper County Middle School, Jasper County High School, Evergreen Funeral Home, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office (CHAMPS), U.S. Forest Service, Sylvan Learning Center, Georgia Department of Labor, and Jasper County 4-H.

Also, Midstate Search & Rescue, Southern Crescent Technical College, Abbey Hospice, GED Adult Education Program, Jasper County Department of Family and Children Services, Jasper County Care Corps, Oconee Center, CHIPS, USDA, Brown Rentals, Georgia Reptile Adventures, Jasper County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Jasper County Fire Department, Jasper County Emergency Medical Service (EMS).

Entertainment was provided by Les Steele, Maka West, Greater Philadelphia Angels, and the N.A. Curry Youth Choir.

Peyton Proctor, Jasper County Primary School principal, was emcee for the festivities.

In addition, there were lots of fun activities for the children, such as bounce houses. Family Connection gave away free hot dogs and snow cones.