Many Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) students and family members attended the annual Back to School Expo to gain valuable information about the coming school year, including assistance with registration.
Another reason families attended was to secure free school supplies so they could check items off their children's Supplies Lists.
If you missed the Expo this past Saturday or the Chatham County Sherriff's Office Block Party on July 14, here's a list of other Back to School community events where free supplies, fun and food are often on the menu.
SCCPSS back to school guide:When is your student's open house?
Friday, July 26
Flau'jae's 2nd Annual Back 2 School Giveback Festival
Rapper and LSU basketball standout Flau'jae Johnson returns to her hometown. Not only is she the youngest Georgian to have a street designation (the intersection of Abercorn and West Montgomery Crossroad has been dedicated to her), she was a finalist on America's Got Talent and eventually signed with Jay Z's Roc Nation.
She returned to Savannah last year to host her first Giveback Festival at Lake Mayer. This year's event, presented by Flauge Entertainment, will run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., July 26 at the Enmarket Arena, 620 Stiles Ave., Savannah.
The event's advertisem*nt states that free book bags, uniforms, shoes and headphones will be available. Music, food, bounce houses, face painting, games and prizes are also expected.
Savannah native and LSU star:Flau'jae Johnson guest speaker at Coastal Empire High School Sports Awards
Saturday, July 27
Woodlawn Baptist Church Back to School Bash
First up is one of two bashes to make the list. Woodlawn Baptist Church, 407 Talmadge Ave., Garden City, will host its Back to School Bash, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., July 27. The event poster touts "snacks, games, and school supplies!" Children are required to present thei school identification in order to receive the supplies, which will be available as long as supplies last.
Savannah Police Department Back to School Bash
The Savannah Police Department (SPD) will provide free back packs and supplies while they last from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 27, at Daffin Park, East Victory Drive at Waters Avenue. It is free and open to the public.
Chatham Subaru and Dream Big Foundation Back to School Drive
Chatham Subaru will host a Back to School Drive Family Fun Day from noon to 4 p.m., July 27 at Enmarket Arena. The event will benefit the Dream Big Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to "build stronger communities and families beginning with the child."
A thousand bookbags will be "stuffed with school supplies" according to the event poster.
Free parking for the event is offered at Lot J, which is the first lot east of the arena along Gwinnett Ave.
4th Annual Back 2 School Fest
After stopping at one of the back to school bashes, families may want to head over to Bull Street Baptist Church, 1400 Bull St., for its 4th Annual Back 2 School Fest, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., July 27.
The event's Facebook page states, "We will be giving away book bags w/school supplies, gas cards, gift cards and more. There will be free haircuts, hair braiding, food, and live music."
Feed the Hungry Back 2 School Giveaway
Feed the Hungry is hosting a Back 2 School Giveaway event from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., July 27, at its Empowerment Center, 4074 Augusta Road, Garden City. The organization is located across the street from SCCPSS's new Davis-Edwards-Harris Educational Complex, 100 Priscilla Thomas Way.
Feed the Hungry has been around since 2009 and, according to its mission, aims to "make a difference in the lives of the working poor."
Back to School Block Rock
The Front Porch youth organization will host a Back to School Block Rock, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m Saturday July 27 at the Savannah Civic Center.
Children must be present to receive free book bags, school uniforms and supplies. The event's poster promises games and giveaways.
SCCPSS settled with contractor:With new school complex set to open Aug. 1, details of SCCPSS settlement agreement come to light
New SCCPSS facility unveiled:Here's what's included in the massive Davis-Edwards-Harris school complex
Sunday, July 28
Gospel on the Greens: Back to School Block Party
Up to 1,000 students can snag a free bookbag filled with supplies at First Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church's annual Gospel on the Greens Back to School Block Party According to the event's Facebook page, festivities kickoff 6 p.m., July 28. There will be food trucks and 'Kids Zones' with inflatables and face painting among other activities.
The night ends with a concert featuring gospel singer Jekalyn Carr.
Any other community groups or local organizations that plan to hold Back to School events to help families prepare, please submit information to jschwartzburt@gannet.com to be added to this list.
SCCPSS principal's list:Find your school's leader for the 2024-25 school year
Other important SCCPSS resources for 2024-25
Do not forget to check out SCCPSS's Back to School Hubfor more on the following:
Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at JSchwartzburt@gannett.com.
