SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts (WWLP) – A back-to-school party for children from Springfield’s North End neighborhood was held Friday at Roberto Clemente Park.
The city of Springfield has treated families to a summer vacation in hopes of giving children the tools they need to be successful this school year.
Hundreds of families made their way to Roberto Clemente Field Friday morning to pick up much-needed school supplies for the back-to-school season. Roberto Berrios, who is entering sixth grade this year, was grateful to be one of the lucky children to receive a free backpack filled with school supplies.
“It helps me perform better in school and elsewhere,” Berrios said.
School Superintendent Dr. Sonia Dinall says this back-to-school party is about preparing students and removing any barriers for families to ensure children are ready to come back to school and learn: “We support our families and our students. Learning is our number one priority and we need to walk the talk. So we say come to school, come to school. But we also need to give them the tools to access the curriculum that we put in their backpacks.”
Students are taught everything they need to succeed this school year.
They receive free backpacks, notebooks, and even a new haircut to help them look good and feel confident in the classroom.
“Remember that when you look good, you feel good,” explains Ronald Smith, stylist at A Cut Above the Rest Hair Salon.
“I know I feel the most confident when my hair is done. I can just give them that confidence. They look at my hair and they’re ready for the new year,” explains stylist Jhori-Dee Davis of A Cut Above the Rest Hair Salon.
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