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ATLANTA – This is one of the biggest back-to-school parties in the Atlanta metro area. Atlanta Public Schools held their annual “back to school” party at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday morning, putting new school supplies in the hands of thousands of students.
[SPECIAL SECTION: Channel 2′s complete guide for back to school 2021 in north Georgia]
Channel 2’s Kristen Holloway was at the event, where people lined up outside the door waiting for APS staff to distribute some 6,000 backpacks full of school supplies, face masks and food boxes. All necessary things a few days before school starts.
Holloway spoke to 7th grader Francieles Basilio, who was on the front line with his sister and mother.
“I think it’s great because now we don’t have to worry about going to the store and trying to find supplies,” Basilio said. “I really want a new backpack, that’s for sure, and mechanical pencils.”
APS tells Channel 2 Action News that donations from businesses and nonprofits made the event possible. For parents like Cepia Harper, donations mean saving hundreds of dollars.
“I literally spend $200 to $300 on school supplies alone,” Harper said. “A lot of parents like me have struggled during the pandemic. So it’s really great that they take care of the students before they go back to school.
BACK 2 SCHOOL
Holloway spoke with school superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring about preparations for the coming year. Herring says they are committed not only to making sure every child has what they need for school, but also to the health and safety of students and parents.
She encouraged families to have eligible children vaccinated against COVID-19. County officials were providing free vaccines on site.
“As soon as they leave GWCC, they can walk across the street and get vaccinated if they’re 12 or older,” Herring said.
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